Thanksgiving has always been such a special holiday for me as I love spending time with all of my family. I have been so fortunate to have grown up with big families in both my mom and dad's sides. My mom has 4 siblings and my dad has 5, and I have many many cousins. Holidays are always such a great excuse to spend time with everyone.

For Thanksgiving, I typically spend it with my dad's side. We the host everyone or go to my cousin house in Western Mass. In the past, we have all gone to the Mount Washington Hotel in New Hampshire for Thanksgiving. We all stay at my grandfather's place and enjoy the time together.

We go to the hotel for dinner around 3:00, where they have every single piece of food you could dream of. The next day we make our own turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and other sides to eat for lunch. It is nice because we still get to do the cooking and have leftovers, obviously the best part.

Although this year is a little different because both my mom and dads sides are coming together at my house. I am so excited to see everyone as I am used to seeing most of them every week or at least every two months. We always make a big turkey and have all of the fun sides.

My mom makes her famous pumpkin cheesecake which is an all-time favorite. My personal favorite dish is the sweet potatoes with the marshmallow on top of it. I also love the stuffing. Because I am a vegetarian, my mom typically makes tofu or another dish that I can eat. My grandparents always come the night before had my nana and dad prepare the turkey and stuffing.

I help my grandmother with the stuffing and I have such great memories of being in the kitchen with my grandmother every since I was really young. She is a phenomenal cook and everything she makes turns out so delicious.

I am so ready for Thanksgiving to come and all that comes along with it. I am so thankful for my family, friends, and all the people who have touched my life in my 19 years. Thanksgiving always reminds me to slow down, look around, and be thankful for everyone that has crossed my path.

Whether they be good or bad, they have still made me who I am. This Thanksgiving, I challenge you to do the same and I wish you the most magical holiday with all the people that you love.