Thanksgiving 2012

One of my favorite memories growing up - and one of the things I miss most about being away from the US - is thanksgiving at my aunt and uncle's house.  My mom's side of the family would gather, and a hoard of us boys would romp, wrestle, and ruckus for three days (my poor cousin, Alice, was the lone girl among 11 boys).  However, we are not deprived of Thanksgiving thrills! There are enough Americans around to make an evening of it.

Last year, we had a pretty big thanksgiving with lots of friends hosted by us and a neighbor.  Alison did a lot of the cooking and prep, and was pretty exhausted afterwards.  Earlier this year, she vowed that she would not host thanksgiving this year.  As November neared, she softened and was ready to host thanksgiving for our family and some of the American teachers from school.  Add a few people here, a few people there and, bang - 27 people for Thanksgiving.  So much for a small, intimate meal!

However, we were not disappointed on several fronts.

• First, our neighbors graciously agreed to host, lifting one of the biggest burdens from Alison (and myself, but mostly Alison).  
• Second, many people were willing to help out with food.  Alison cooked (baked?  I don't know the difference) the turkeys, along with home made cranberry sauce and sweet potatoes.  
• Third, our hosts, Jim and Beth, asked everyone to say one thing they were thankful for.  It was encouraging to hear from so many people.  
• Fourth, Alison made a pumpkin pie and an apple pie.  We still have leftovers in the fridge.  
• Fifth, I was able to watch the Lions game.  We never watched football on Thanksgiving growing up, but watching football made me feel American.  It's good to have that from time to time. 

Coincidentally, Thanksgiving weekend occurs the same weekend as the Shia Muslim time of Ashura, so we also have a four day weekend, having Sunday and Monday off.