Most of my Thanksgivings have been spent hovering over my dad’s
shoulder, “sampling” a bit of everything as it came out of the oven. (Un)traditionally, he’d prepare seafood in
our coastal Carolina vacation home, my mother and sister would watch football,
and I’d create whimsical floral centerpieces.
Having celebrated a more traditional Thanksgiving the weekend before
with extended family, we’d all welcome the change in scenery, warmer
temperatures, and alternative menu. In
our home, this was our tradition and one we looked forward to each year.
But, times have changed as they always do. With us in our first holiday season as a
married couple and living more than 2,000 miles from where we grew up, we
decided to start our own traditions.
Though my husband and I enjoy our time together, the thought of
Thanksgiving with just us two, seemed less than ideal, especially since I do
not eat leftovers. As friends began
making plans, we decided to offer our home as the backdrop to what would be our
first annual Friendsgiving.
As our friends gathered during the course of the day, I occasionally found
myself stepping back and absorbing the laughter that filled our home, the
friendly rivalry being exchanged, and the smells of our sides blending together. After filling our bellies with food inspired
by our childhoods and washing it down with wine and whiskey, we crowded on our
couches and watched “A Christmas Vacation”.
Some dozed off, others gravitated to the table for a second snack or to
begin wrapping up what was left in boxes for later. With the ending of the movie, came an end to
the evening. While standing in our
kitchen, putting the last of the food away, I smiled. Our first Friendsgiving was a success by the
beautiful mess we’d have to clean in the morning. And in the south, a happy home is one filled with family and at least this family we got to choose.
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