Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Tales: Cooking Up Memories with a Side of Ham!

Join me on a heartfelt journey through my first Thanksgiving as an orphan, revolved around cooking and a magical ham story!

Thanksgiving is a holiday that calls upon us to count our blessings and cherish the bonds we share with family. This year, I'm facing a unique set of emotions as I navigate my first Thanksgiving as an orphan. However, I have a feeling that my parents are more present with me than ever before, despite their physical absence. As I prepare for this special occasion, I can't help but recall the memories of my mother's favorite holiday filled with laughter, joy, and of course, the irresistible allure of the kitchen.

My mother had this magical way of transforming our kitchen into a haven of warmth and comfort during Thanksgiving. The aroma of cinnamon, roasted turkey, and buttery rolls would waft through the air, pulling us into her culinary world. But above all, her favorite Thanksgiving story revolved around a ham she lovingly prepared each year, which had a curious twist! Believe it or not, this family recipe was a masterpiece, handed down through generations, but there was always a lingering mystery that intrigued us - why would she dance around the kitchen while it was roasting?

As I whip up the recipe for that same ham today, I channel my late mother's carefree spirit. The thought of her dancing and singing while preparing this dish brings a smile to my face. I can almost hear her gently sharing stories about how she learned to cook from her grandmother, who apparently had quite the funny habit of deliberately messing up the first batch of cookies just so they all could come together for another round of baking! This family tradition wasn't just about the food, but also about the moments we created while cooking and laughing together, making the kitchen our sacred space.

So here I am, alone, yet surrounded by the beautiful essence of my mother's legacy on this Thanksgiving. I decide to set a place at the table for her, a simple gesture, but meaningful enough for me to feel her heart in the room. As I pour a glass of wine and reflect on my journey, I realize that, while my family is gone, the love we shared is indelible. And who knows, maybe my mother is watching over me, lending a gentle hand as I serve up her beloved ham.

Did you know that Thanksgiving is celebrated by over 40 countries around the world, each with their own unique traditions? A fun fact is that in Australia, Thanksgiving isn't a national holiday, but some Australians join in on the festivities as a way to share gratitude with friends and family. And speaking of interesting customs, in the United States, the average number of calories consumed during a Thanksgiving meal can reach about 3,000! That’s equivalent to eating an entire day's worth of calories in just one sitting!

So this Thanksgiving, while I miss the physical presence of my loved ones, I choose to celebrate their memory through stories, laughter, and the delicious ham that binds our family together. Here's to creating new memories with each passing year, while keeping their spirit alive in our hearts!