Thanksgiving was always a very special holiday to me even though my family definitely didn’t consider it important. Growing up, we didn’t really celebrate it the way typical Americans do because obviously my immigrant parents did not learn about why Thanksgiving is even a holiday. Quite literally, the holiday translates to “Turkey Day” in Chinese so mostly to them, it’s known as day for eating turkey. I, myself liked the holiday because of how it was perfectly placed in between two other holidays and therefore this time of year always passes especially quickly. Since I grew up in New England, Thanksgiving would always be a slightly chilly time of year, where warmer clothes were starting to be worn and there was a tinge of Christmas spirit already in the air.
For my family, Turkey Day meant a bunch of my aunts, uncles and cousins would come over to eat a large meal. The dinner itself would consist of a mixture between home-cooked and takeout, with my dad usually slaving over the turkey, yams and certain vegetables. The takeout would come from a nearby Chinese restaurant we loved, so a plate of Cantonese-style ginger lobster, a plate of Cantonese poached Chicken (or Bai Qie Ji) and several other delicacies would be placed next to American-style turkey. My mom never really liked stuffing so different foods such as fried rice would be placed inside the turkey instead. The dinner for us honestly just meant a time of rekindlement and a time to share fun news about school, work or gossiping about the family members who couldn’t make it.
Now that I’m in college and the chances I get to see my family are far less, I appreciate this holiday much more than before. I know a lot of my friends are unable to see their families this year due to the situation with COVID, and I am truly thankful and grateful to be able to spend a few days spending time with my family. Being back in my hometown definitely feels strange in a way, since I feel like I have evolved so much during this time, but it just goes to show how much can change in a small amount of time. I’m incredibly excited to see some of my closest friends and to eat meals that are prepared by my family. I’m also thankful for being able to share my experiences with whoever decides to read this!
