As an exchange student, I’ve spent a lot of time hearing about American holidays, but Thanksgiving was one I didn’t fully understand until I experienced it for myself. It always seemed like an excuse to eat too much turkey and maybe watch football, but now I know it’s so much more. This year, I had my first real Thanksgiving at my stepbrother’s house, and it was an amazing mix of food, fun, and tradition.
Why Thanksgiving is Such a Big Deal
Thanksgiving is kind of like a national gratitude day. Originally, it started as a way to celebrate the harvest and give thanks for food and community. Now, it’s more about family, friends, and taking a moment to appreciate the good things in life. What I love about it is that it’s not tied to religion or gifts, it’s just about being together and being thankful. Honestly, it’s a really nice break from the usual chaos of life.
The Food: More Than Just Turkey
Let’s be real, Thanksgiving is mostly about the food. I thought I knew what to expect: turkey, mashed potatoes, maybe some pie. But when I walked into my stepbrother’s house, the smells hit me like a warm hug, and I realized I was in for something special.
The turkey looked like it had come straight out of a cooking show, all golden and crispy on the outside. But the sides? That’s where the magic was. Stuffing was the MVP for me. It was savory and herby, with just the right mix of textures. I couldn’t stop piling it onto my plate. The mashed potatoes were perfectly buttery, and the cranberry sauce added this tangy sweetness that balanced everything out.
Traditions That Make It Special
Thanksgiving isn’t just about eating (though that’s a huge part). After dinner, everyone brought out board games, which turned into a surprisingly intense competition. Let’s just say my stepbrother’s family takes their games seriously, but it made the whole evening so much fun.
Another tradition I got to try was the “wishing bone.” It’s this little Y-shaped bone from the turkey. Two people pull it apart while making a wish, and whoever ends up with the bigger piece “wins” and gets their wish granted. It’s a simple, silly thing, but it was such a fun way to keep the holiday spirit going.
Taking Time to Reflect
One of the coolest parts of Thanksgiving was something I didn’t expect: the chance to slow down and reflect. Before we ate, we went around the table and said what we were thankful for. Some people kept it light, “I’m thankful the turkey didn’t burn”, while others got really personal.
When it was my turn, I said how grateful I was to be included in their family celebration. Being far from home isn’t easy, but this made me feel so welcome. It’s not just about the food or the traditions; it’s about feeling connected.
What I’ll Take Away
Thanksgiving is such a simple but meaningful holiday. It’s about being present, appreciating what you have, and enjoying good food with good people. For me, it was more than just a meal—it was a day that reminded me how powerful gratitude can be.
Now, I get why people love this holiday so much. It’s not about perfection or stress, it’s about finding joy in the moment. My first Thanksgiving was unforgettable, and I can’t wait to share some of these traditions when I head back home.
Oh, and I’ll definitely be trying to recreate that stuffing, Total Game-changer.
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