Happy Thanksgiving!

[Anyponedrawn]

Yeah, been out Christmas shopping.

[Rainberry]

So our Thanksgiving topic hasn't been posted in 2019.  But it's 2021 and Thanksigiving is coming faster than we thing.  Time to discuss Turkey Day!

[Blurr]

Unclear yet if I’m doing anything family wise. Since I have to work early the next day on Black Friday I don’t know if I’m gonna make the drive to see my family.

[Darrin]

I have to work early the next day on Black Friday...

We knew thee well.

[Wolfwood]

I guess I better buy a turkey soon or else all the good one's will be bought up.

[Smiles2us]

So far the biggest turkey I have seen at the store was 30lbs.  What are you going to do with that big a bird?

[Rainberry]

I bought a turkey and it's cold enough I can keep it outside right now.  My freezer can't even fit it until I cut it up.

[Blurr]

I have to work early the next day on Black Friday...

We knew thee well.

DON'T SAY IT LIKE THAT!

[Anyponedrawn]

I have to work early the next day on Black Friday...

We knew thee well.

DON'T SAY IT LIKE THAT!

I know right?  Geez!!! Lol

[kiku]

I've never experienced Thanksgiving since we don't have it here in Germany, and until now, the only thing I knew was that it's in November, families celebrate together and have a turkey meal, and I figured it has something to do with being grateful for a good harvest, which is actually something people here do as well in some regions, it's called "Erntedankfest" = harvest thanks celebration, but it's not a big event. And also, I remember the nice and funny scene from the movie "Eat Pray Love" when the main character (played by Julia Roberts) introduces Thanksgiving to her Italian friends in Italy - they prepared loads of food but forgot about the frozen turkey so they put it in the oven late at night and had it for breakfast the next morning...  (I don't know if that was actually part of the true story or just made up for the movie, but I like it anyway) And I really liked the way how, at the table, everybody talked about something they were grateful for. Is this usual at Thanksgiving?

So, today I did a little reading and learned for the first time that the tradition goes back to the first people who settled in Massachusetts and had a hard time in winter so they got help from the Native American people, and finally they all celebrated together the very first Thanksgiving in 1621 - exactly 400 years ago!

Without this forum I guess I'd never be interested in finding out more about things and events like that. So, this is a place where we all can learn from each other. I like that! 

[Wolfwood]

Yeah, you pretty much summed it up.  The first European settlers, who we often call, "the pilgrims," celebrated the first Thanksgiving together.  The pilgrims struggled with the harsh winters of the east coast and the native Americans helped them be successful.  Historically, the first thanksgiving was to be thankful for the harvest and abundant supplies as you head into winter.  You would thank God for the harvest and family health, well being, etc. 

Today, the prototypical Thanksgiving is gathering with family and friends and having pretty much the same meanings as the past.  Clearly, not everyone is a farmer today, but we are lucky to have the luxuries we have.  So people will give thanks to God, and overall be very pleased as they enjoy their meals.

The traditional Thanksgiving meal in the US is had at night, not in the morning.  Though because it is such a large meal, people tend to have a lighter meal in the beginning of the day (often skipping breakfast or lunch).  This lighter meal is often just called brunch.  This can be had with family and friends as well, but isn't the same with everyone.

The big meal comes in the evening, aka, "Thanksgiving Dinner" or "Thanksgiving Feast."  Traditionally people who are not famers will go to the grocery store or local farmers market to buy a fresh or frozen turkey.  The turkey size varies depending on how many guests you plan to have.  The turkey is often filled with a tasty treat called, "Stuffing."  Stuffing various by person, usually a family has their own favorite recipe.  In short, the stuff is usually based on a broth, bread crumbs, celery, carrots, and spices. 

With the turkey people often include green beans, vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussel sprouts, (usually steamed or baked).  The vegetable mix is usually always a autumn mix.  Another side is rather peculiar, but just cranberries, either fresh or canned.  It goes great with turkey for some reason.  Another staple of the meal is gravy.  Every family has a traditional form of gravy they like to make.  Potatoes are also very common, or a mixed rice pilaf type dish.

Dessert varies, but a pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream on top is common.  An alternative is sweet potato pie.

And that is the average American Thanksgiving.  Canada has their own Thanksgiving which is pretty much a direct lift of the American one, but on a different day.  But now more and more Canadian's also celebrate the American Thanksgiving day too, because... who doesn't want to have another delicious feast with family and friends? 

[kiku]

@Wolfwood , thank you for the detailed description! It's nice to read, and very appetizing... 

I just remembered another little glimpse of Thanksgiving I got on German TV some time ago when I happened to see an episode of "Little House on the Prairie" (German title: "Unsere kleine Farm" = Our little farm) dealing with Thanksgiving. I can't remember anything about the plot, but I remember there were Johnny Cash and June Carter as guest stars, and Johnny Cash was playing the guitar and singing a song about Thanksgiving which I liked.
Funny how memories like that suddenly pop up in your mind. 

[Rainberry]

That is like the most effort I've ever seen you put into a post @Wolfwood!  Lol!  I am impressed... it's also kinda cute you did that for this particular situation.  Maybe you DO have a big heart under that hard exterior of yours.

[RainySunshine]

That is like the most effort I've ever seen you put into a post @Wolfwood!  Lol!  I am impressed... it's also kinda cute you did that for this particular situation.  Maybe you DO have a big heart under that hard exterior of yours.

He secretly doesn't tinker on trucks and bikes or go hunting.  He actually knits kitten socks and masterfully plays the flute in his spare time.  

[Anyponedrawn]

The random things our mind remembers has always baffled me.  I remember the most unimportant things. Not the great vacation or awesome things I've done.  I remember things like... sitting on the floor of an airport for eight hours eating peanuts and cold breakfast sandwiches... lol.