Missing the Thanksgivings of My Childhood

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Maybe that is my revisionist memory working because I’m sure as a toddler Christmas was the greatest day of all. And while Christmas was always great and my parents gave us more than we needed or deserved, the fun part — opening presents — was over by 8 a.m.

Thanksgiving, on the other hand, was an all day affair. We spent the day watching football, noshing on a multitude of snacks, and finally sitting down for an early dinner at about 3 o’clock. My mother would cook for upwards of a week and it was a feast that looked like something out of a movie. We’d spend the rest of the night eating seconds, thirds, and fourths while watching movies. Since we were only in contact with a few relatives, the day was usually just reserved for my parents, my siblings, and I.

Of course, things change and life goes on, so this situation couldn’t last forever. Eventually, my brother and sister brought their girlfriend/boyfriend, my brother moved to the west coast, and my sister moved a few hours away. Eventually, I too moved out and my parents sold the home in which we were raised. My mother is also getting to the age where she can no longer spend several days in the kitchen putting together a lavish spread.

This year, my parents once again flew out west, so I’ll be spending the day at my grandmother-in-law’s apartment in Queens. My wife’s family is incredibly generous and loving, but they do holidays differently than we did. For me, if we were inside on a holiday, a game was on. NFL on Thanksgiving; NBA on Christmas; Bowl Games on New Year’s Day; March Madness on Easter. They aren’t against sports (in fact, her younger brother loves them), but they don’t incorporate them as part of a holiday like we did.

When your relationship becomes serious, one of the biggest issues is figuring out holiday logistics. You want to be fair to each side while also working with siblings to ensure that they are on the same schedule you are so that each person can maximize time with their family.

As a kid, all I had to do was come downstairs.

I miss those days.