It's the in-between holiday that loses out to Halloween and Christmas, but for my family, it was always huge. Since my grandma passed away a few years ago, it was different. It was like old traditions were forced, dubbed as sad attempts at salvaging some and we weren't making any new ones. She ran the house, and every year since her passing I feel an emptiness, and an overwhelming weight of nostalgia.

I remember waking up every Thanksgiving morning, sometimes early and sometimes I would sleep in. But nonetheless, I woke up to that classic, steamy aroma of baked goods and turkey, and the clanking of utensils on dishes. I put on my special outfit and the paper feather crown I made at school, before I understood the significance of celebrating Thanksgiving. Then I joined the hustle and bustle in the kitchen and dining area. The women were cooking and the men were watching the game or chatting among themselves while anticipating the feast (such a cookie cutter situation.) Cousins and siblings arrived and we spent the time before dinner rough-housing outside and probably teasing each other about having crushes at school. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade played on the TV as background noise.

My job was usually setting the tables and even as I grew into a young adult, I was still assigned to the kids' table--which I secretly loved.

Before digging in, we would go around and say what we were thankful for (so corny, I know.) The kids were funny or shy about it when it came to their turn, and there was often that one adult that was extremely sentimental. Then there was the wishbone. For some reason, I was usually the one to be the second competitor. I always won (thank you, thank you.)

My favorite parts were eating pumpkin pie for the third, and fourth time during the night, and just hanging out with people I love. It might have been hard to accept that traditions weren't always going to stay, but I was, and still am, forever thankful for time spent with my family. Not just on holidays when we're forced to be together, but all the time.

Whatever this holiday means to you, this year especially, it's important to connect and share with family and friends. Yes, even through the presidential election rants as we spit potatoes and gravy in each others faces to prove points.