What does a good thanksgiving mean to you?

Question

To me it's a good time to ask about our family history.

I just remembered im now the oldest

Answer 1

Frankly, it's a time for missing all of the fond Thanksgivings
of my younger years. When a family gathering was centered
around my grandparents arrival. They were my moms' parents. Both from strong German stock. Grandpa was from
a border town in Russia, while grandma was raised in the
states on a farm in N. Dakota where they met when they were
grown. Unlike alot of Germans, they were fun loving and warm
people who always set an empty space at the table for some-
one if they needed a meal.
Our holidays seemed so special with them around. They
brought warmth and love into any room, it seemed like. And
Grandma would always bring something she'd made to add
to the Thanksgiving table. My mother would provide all the
meal however. There would only be small talk while everyone
was eating. And after, casual conversation was the norm.
How I wish, I'd have once thought to inquire about their days
of courtship, and the times during the depression when they
were starting a family. Or even how the Statue of Liberty looked to a small 7 year old boy, for the first and only time.
And how as an adult, he would celebrate his birthday on the
4th of July, in honor of our nations' independance. For he
had left a country of turmoil and his family had come to a
land of freedom, and they were going to become Americans.
So missing them again, this holiday season, is again hard
for me. As my husband and I will be alone. With alot of time
to reflect on the past and be a bit meloncholy. He will do the cooking and there won't be any real celebration. We don't eat extra foods, since there's just the two of us. And I do miss the extras that mother had as her specialties or grandmas'.
I especially will think about my grandmas' cooking. She never had good health to open a restaurant as we all pleaded
with her to do. And she was the best cook anyone could ask for.
I believe a hefty portion of love, was dropped right into every
spoonful she served. She wasn't just a good cook.She was
a great one. Never had anyone in the family, or friend, tasted gravy or dumplings, or even fried chicken, so moist and flavorful that the meat almost melted on your tongue. I strived to make my own chicken like hers. I came close, but never right on the mark. Maybe I didn't put as much 'love' into my cooking as she did.
So again, this Thanksgiving, I will think about the old days.
And again wonder, why it's more important for our daughter
and family to go to a friends' for dinner and enjoy conversation with them, just because they don't socialize often due to our daughters' traveling with work. And why has
our son shunned us all these years, and gave up the holidays that meant so much to him as a child and teenager.
I had wanted a different gathering when I got old. I had envisioned a warm house with my children arriving and laughter and good kitchen smells carrying into the living room. And eager appetites waiting to be appeased. I never ever thought, it would just be my husband and I, having a normal sized dinner at the regular dinner time. And maybe watching a movie in the evening. But we do that for Christmas Day as well. How can two people feel alone, when they're not alone during the holidays? But I think we both are. If it weren't for our two little dogs keeping us in happy spirits, I think this time of the year, would truly be very depressing.
So in answer to your question, Thanksgiving is a time for
being with family, and feeling glad you are there to be with
them. Sharing a meal filled with goodies often not eaten the
rest of the year, or sparingly. And feeling love for them during
a season of being thankful. And also being thankful, you are
alive, but healthy as well.

Answer 2

Typically, we have both a turkey and a ham. Always have stuffing. Sometimes, we'll stuff it in the turkey. Homemade potato salad and mac & cheese (this stuff always runs out before anything else). :) Both green beans & green peas. Mashed potatoes. Cranberry sauce. Yams. I'm sure I'll be reminded of 4 or 5 other dishes tomorrow. At least 3 different types of pie. Pecan, pumpkin, and sweet potato are required. Someone usually provides a fruit pie option. Enough tea & bottled water to feed a busload of people. I'd like to point out that a lot of people gather for our Thanksgiving dinner and most of the people in my family are "big" people with very hearty appetites (and many of these people have at least two kids). Thanksgiving is a bit like a family reunion for me. Everyone is pretty much spread out across the country and I can only afford to visit so many people during the year. Oh, and a Happy Thanksgiving to you too.

Answer 3

A good Thanksgiving to me is when I get to spend the day with my family, since we live so far apart. We share what each of us is thankful for. We go out to eat and spend the time together talking, playing games, looking at pics, etc. instead of cooking and cleaning up.

Answer 4

It means to me, being very thankful for what I have. Enjoying a good meal with my parents and any family members that show up. And also none of it be burnt as I am the one doing the cooking for my parents for Thanksgiving.

Answer 5

It means getting together with my family for the day and sharing a good meal and an all around good time.

Answer 6

The last of our family gets together , We play cards , Throw the bull. and enjoy each others company again. Eat to much some drink a bit to much. and remember the ones that are no longer with us.

Answer 7

a good thanksgiving means alot to me. It means that my family can actually break there record of how many fights they get in each year. [last year was 7]

Answer 8

It is a time to be with family and friends, eat good food and talk and remember all the things we are thankful for.........

Answer 9

A gathering of family to celebrate the harvest season and family to share good food, good company and leftovers.

Answer 10

Family, being bless to live to be here for another Thanksgiving!!! To be thankful for what i have.