Giving Thanks

So it’s Thanksgiving, huh? The day to stuff your face with stuffing, have turkey grease drip down your sleeve and catch up with the side of your family that you only see on holidays.

When I moved to US I didn’t realize that most places are closed during the holiday. My fridge was empty and my ex and I desperately tried to find a restaurant that delivered and wasn’t a pizza joint. I think at some point we gave up and had scrambled eggs for dinner. The following  year I was smarter. I stocked up and made the least Thanksgiving food - Spanish tapas and a cheesecake. Who needs cranberry sauce when I make the meanest patatas bravas?

Yesterday while shopping for groceries I noticed that all the turkeys of the world must have flown (or wobbled I guess) to the store in order to complete their ultimate mission - become the main dish on the dinner table. I picked the one that was the size of a 2-year old baby and placed it in my cart. I thought I should finally cook the traditional American Thanksgiving dinner. That’s what it’s all about, right? Tradition.  

Tradition. Certain orders, comfortable rules and set ways of doing things are passed down from generation to generation. That’s how traditions are created. So I asked myself: what is my personal tradition on Thanksgiving? Being away from my family on holidays has become a tradition. Going to Christekindlmarket - a German inspired Christmas festival is also one. But the most important thing I do is I look back and actually list things that I am thankful for.

This year made me realize how lucky I am to have a strong circle of people who support me. It doesn’t matter whether they are across the ocean or I see them daily, whether we talk all the time or once a year. I am thankful for each and every one of them.

Someone once asked me what my biggest talent was. Attracting the most amazing people. I am, and always have been truly lucky with people. I wouldn’t be where I am today without them. Every person I let into my life brings oh so, so much. If you are that person and reading this, please know that I am dedicating this post to you.

So I took the giant frozen turkey out of my basket because I have no idea how to bake one (or have the desire to learn). This Thanksgiving I am sticking to the traditions I have created myself. Garlic shrimp tapas, mulled wine at Christkindlemarket and talking to my loved ones. No matter how far or close they are.