Best Holiday Ever, Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday, and I have a compelling argument as to why it stands out.

To delve into the historical roots of Thanksgiving, the inaugural event was a feast organized by the Native American Wampanoag to assist settlers in adapting to the "New World," more commonly known as Plymouth, Massachusetts. The transformation of this event into a religious holiday may be attributed to the scarcity of generosity, especially concerning food, back then. In a place like Europe, rations were allocated as resources for furthering war efforts—an inherently malignantly competitive mission.

Now, what is the current trend with respect to food for this tradition? Generally, Thanksgiving includes turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce (my favorite), sweet potatoes, corn, and pumpkin or apple pie. While these items constitute a standard Thanksgiving, some families imbue the holiday with their own unique styles. It could be a specific pie recipe dictated by a great-grandfather who favored sour apples, or it could involve providing gluten-free bread alternatives for a cousin like Janice. Overall, Thanksgiving often reflects what a particular family values at that moment.

Food represents the most romantic and selfless gift a person can offer to someone else. The considerable effort invested in preparing diverse dishes and the ultimate payoff at the end make it well worth the gathering of individuals. Even if the culinary endeavors fall short, the ensuing banter and good-natured teasing about the cook's performance become memorable and endearing moments. There's also an almost satisfyingly tribal feeling when people unite to partake in a feast, making all the effort feel worthwhile. The ensuing conversations, laughter, and even arguments contribute to the overall experience of a full and wonderful Thanksgiving dinner. In my family, the enjoyment extends to the intense naps that follow the copious indulgence in delicious food. With no real expectations or consequences, Thanksgiving is simply a time for people to come together, eat, and share in each other's company.