Is It a Holiday Without Special Food?

What happens if you don’t get special foods on a holiday? Does it still feel like a holiday?

I started thinking about this because my Thanksgiving this year was even less traditional than usual.

I know most people gather around a table that groans with the weight of the food. Turkey, stuffing, gravy, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, cranberry sauce, bread or rolls (or both), pumpkin pie, pecan pie, whipped cream, and possibly even more.

But I didn’t have almost any of that. I did have some mashed potatoes, and cranberry ice cream, but that was as far as it went.

It got me thinking about how we put all this emphasis on the food. But does it belong there?

I did see some of my family, after all. Oh, and I did have a piece of my brother’s pumpkin bread. Otherwise, I ate by myself that day due to the way schedules worked out.

But I had fun catching up with my older nephew about his activities, and playing my younger nephew. I didn’t realize how much fun a retractable measuring tape is for a five-year-old boy. I also chatted with other family members and had a nice time visiting for a couple of hours.

And when I came home, I realized I didn’t really miss the food. It can be nice to share a meal with others, but if I had a choice the people and no holiday food, I’d pick the people every time.

Whatever you end up having for meals on your holiday, I hope you can also find time to focus on the one you’re with, since they’re usually the ones who make it special.