Gratitude on Thanksgiving
Happy Thanksgiving Everyone! On the fourth Thursday of November, Americans come together to give thanks and share a feast of turkey, potatoes, green beans, and pumpkin pie.
Thanksgiving is one of the major national holidays in the United States where Americans enjoy a long four-day weekend. Celebrations kick off on the fourth Thursday of November where my American compatriots enjoy a weekend of eating extravaganza, American football, and scouring the internet for the Black Friday deals.
It is a time to express gratitude for our many blessings in life, and spending time with family and friends. In our university days, we would travel back to our hometowns on Wednesday before Thanksgiving and share a tipple with old friends at a local bar. Then on Thanksgiving Thursday, it’s all about family and the turkey with gravy, mashed potatoes, green beans, pumpkin pie and lots of red wine. The combination no doubt will make the tryptophan spike, putting you in a happy slumber with a full stomach. The next day, it’s all about Black Friday. Before the rise of online shopping, only the brave would dare to make a trip at midnight for the famous Black Friday sales.
Sharing Thanksgiving
For someone like me who loves cooking, my favourite thing about Thanksgiving is sharing a feast with loved ones. Save for maybe two Thanksgivings since 2008, Kenz and I have always hosted a Thanksgiving meal at our home. Some years were intimate dinners with a few friends, other years were a full house with a dozen friends. No matter how big or small the gathering, the main highlight is of course the turkey and lots of wine.
This year’s Thanksgiving dinner was very different. It was just the four of us – Kenz, myself, Lady Yeya and Buddy. The smallest turkey I could find was a two kilo turkey breast which was big enough to feed six people. My small Thanksgiving menu inspired by Epicurious included:
Citrus – Sage Butter Turkey Breast Wrapped in Bacon
Classic Italian Sausage Stuffing
Brussels Sprouts and Green Bean with Shallot and Lemon Zest
Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Pumpkin Blondies with Chocolate and Pecans
My Gratitude List
It’s an understatement to say that 2020 has been a strange and challenging year for all of us. I want to express my gratitude as I reflect on this Thanksgiving weekend.
- Our Beautiful Family: I am especially grateful for my little family today and everyday: Kenz, Lady Yeya, and Buddy. In particular, I am grateful for the time we have spent together this year and watching Lady Yeya blossom into a well-mannered and sweet little toddler. Kenz spent the summer on his notice period so we were able to enjoy easy-going summer days together as a family. I am very thankful for my wonderful husband and best friend for his encouragement, love, and support.
- Our Extended Family: We miss our siblings and parents. It pains us not being able to see them in California or go on our annual siblings holiday. We FaceTime often but not often enough given the time difference and respective work schedules. We are thankful that everyone back home is doing well and in good health especially our parents who are all in their early 70s. My kid sister who is a night nurse at a university hospital is working tirelessly whilst studying part-time. For that and all the NHS frontline workers, I express my sincerest gratitude during this exceptionally difficult year.
- Our Health: Except for the heavy colds and coughs earlier in February, we have not had any major illnesses this year so far. Thank goodness. Usually Lady Yeya has a bi-annual flu around her birthday in February and another around November right when the temperature starts to drop. I’m sure this is due to frequent hand washing and lots of anti-bacterial hand gels. We wash our hands so much that Lady Yeya started asking for “privacy” to wash her hands.
- Our Friends Near and Far: We are thankful for each and every one of our friends near and far. Many have sent messages to check on our mental well-being or just dropping a quick note to say hi. Little gestures make a big difference. Thank you for thinking of us. I am also grateful for my tribe of mom friends for playdate, museum-outings, and laughter as we continue to navigate motherhood.
- 75 inch Samsung Q-Led Smart TV: I love this TV so much. When Kenz purchased this last August 2019, I thought it was a bit ridiculous for the size of our lounge. This TV has been a lifesaver during the lockdown. With Netflix, SkyCinema, Disney+, we were able to have a nice cinema experience at home with wine and popcorn after Lady Yeya went to bed. Likewise, Lady Yeya is at the age now where she can enjoy a full-length movie. Pixar’s Toy Story is her current favourite. She affectionately refers to the TV as the “big iPad.”
- Sonos Speakers: What would we do without the Sonos speakers? We always have music playing throughout the house. From feel good vibes to lullabies, we can always count on Sonos to provide us with music around the clock. Even Lady Yeya has a Sonos speaker in her room where she plays everything from Disney hits to Peppa Pig to nursery rhymes. We cannot live without the Sonos speakers.
Wishing you all a very Happy Thanksgiving! Now to Christmas although Christmas came early this year because we all needed some extra Xmassy cheers.
