Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it’s a tradition of gratitude and togetherness. Whether making a turkey or simply gathering with loved ones, it’s a reminder of what truly matters.
-Marcia
In 2009, I made a significant change in my lifestyle…I stopped eating meat and became more of a pescatarian. The decision wasn’t made lightly, but it felt right for me at the time. Since then, I’ve mostly stuck to fish like salmon while avoiding other types of meat entirely. Yet, as with many things in life, time brings about shifts in perspective, and last year I found myself rethinking my long-standing tradition of a meatless Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is, after all, a holiday steeped in tradition. It’s about gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal, and, yes, often centering that meal around beautifully roasted turkey. For more than a decade, I celebrated Thanksgiving with delicious dishes…just without the turkey center piece. And while that worked perfectly for me and my husband for years, something changed in the last year. I had an epiphany: life is too short not to celebrate fully, especially when it comes to special moments and holidays.
So, last year, for the first time since 2009, I decided it was time to make a turkey for Thanksgiving. My husband, though never a big meat eater himself, was delighted. The joy in his eyes was enough to reassure me that this decision was a good one.
This decision to bring turkey back to our Thanksgiving table reminded me of earlier memories…ones that seemed far removed after all these years. Before 2009, I was absolutely a meat eater, and it’s funny to look back now and recall that one of our early trips together as a couple was to Argentina. We traveled there solely for the experience of visiting a gaucho ranch, where the highlight of the day was the incredible beef empanadas we enjoyed. Back then, meat was not only part of our diet but part of our travel adventures too!
However, after all these years of abstaining from meat, I found myself looking forward to the experience of making a Thanksgiving turkey again. Last year, we ordered an organic turkey from a local natural food store, and the excitement of picking it up, prepping it, and cooking it filled me with a sense of tradition that I hadn’t fully realized I had missed.
This year, we’re doing it again. I’ve already placed our turkey order, and I’m thrilled to once again be planning a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, complete with turkey, mashed potatoes, rolls, a vegetable dish, and, of course, pumpkin pie. There’s something comforting about knowing that I’m able to bring this tradition back to life, and I’m excited to share it with my husband and celebrate the holiday in is fullest form.
What about you? How are you planning to celebrate Thanksgiving this year? Have your holiday traditions evolved over time, or have you returned to something you once left behind? I’d love to hear your stories and thoughts as we all prepare for this special time of year.
I am so happy for you that you are flexible enough to enjoy your previous Thanksgiving tradition. Your table setting looks absolutely festive and celebratory.
Enjoy your turkey!!
Thank you! I’d say I’m learning from the best when it comes to flexibility and celebration! Glad you liked the table set up… It wouldn’t be the same without a bit of flare. Here’s to a festive feast and plenty of turkey to go around!
Beautiful story and I love the openness to rethinking things we once thought were non negotiable.
Thank you so much, Monica! I’m glad you enjoyed the story. It’s amazing how traditions can evolve and how rethinking those “non-negotiables” can bring new meaning and connection. I really appreciate your thoughtful comment!
In 2000 I moved to Michigan from Pennsylvania to live with my daughter. She teaches at a local University and it had been determined (by my kids!) I needed to be with family. Had been living alone as a widow after the kids finished college/military experience, so had a major adjustment ahead of me. Initially, our Thanksgiving was spent with students who weren’t able to travel ‘home’, either Stateside or Overseas.
New friends entered my life and we have spent the past few holiday season with them and become part of their family. It is really a lovely experience to realize, that as ‘older’ we become, we can expand our lifestyle and enjoy the different!! Looking forward to this year’s event.
Nancy, thank you for sharing a heartfelt story! It’s inspiring to hear how you embraced a new chapter in Michigan and created new connections. What a beautiful reminder that even as we grow older, there are always fresh opportunities for friendship and family. I love the idea of a holiday table that grows each year with new faces and stories. Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving season filled with all the warmth and joy of those connections!
I am so happy that once again, you and Joe are having the traditional turkey Thanksgiving! How cool!!!! Enjoy xoxo
Thank you, Donna! We’re definitely looking forward to having that traditional turkey feast again, it feels comforting to return to familiar traditions. Wishing you and your family, a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and good food!