Finally, it is that time of year. The leaves are changing color and beginning to fall. Vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows illuminate the landscape as the air fills with pumpkin spice and apple pie. The crisp leaves crunch under my feet as I walk the campus of what I call my second home.

It’s November. The month where cute, fall clothes fill our closets and keep our bodies warm as the temperatures begin to drop. Halloween has just passed and now we prepare for a holiday that at times can be overlooked, Thanksgiving. My earliest memories of Thanksgiving date back to elementary school, where I painted hand turkeys and wrote in each finger all the aspects of life I was thankful for. As I aged, Thanksgiving for me has become the holiday when my family and I prepare and enjoy our delicious home-cooked meal together.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on everything you are thankful for. However, I don’t just thank God for my fortunate life on Thanksgiving, but every day. Thanksgiving not only preaches the gratitude expressed towards family, friends, life, and eating hearty foods, but emphasizes tradition. Every family is identified by their specific and unique traditions.

For the Mysholowsky family, for as long as I can remember, Thanksgiving was always held at my Aunt MaryAnn’s down the shore. I, of course, would be seated towards the end of the table with my brothers, and cousin. We would start our Italian feast with a loaf of fresh Italian bread accompanied with a cold antipasto which consisted of Genoa salami, soppressata, assorted cheeses and olives, and of course, my mom’s famous and decidant stuffed mushrooms. We then sat anxiously waiting for the soup, which, every year the selections differed. A piping hot soup always did the trick as it warmed our throats and stomachs. After a brief intermission, the main course was served. Plates and plates of perfectly roasted and succulent turkey created a warm and inviting aroma. Bowls on top of bowls of cranberry sauce, stuffing, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes can make any mouth water. Thick brown gravy coated the turkey. My family and I mingled in the midst of our feast as we caught up on all the drama, and news to pass the time. Anyone who has spent Thanksgiving with other relatives, besides immediate family, knows the yearly drill at family gatherings. My brothers and I were asked about our lives at school, home, and extracurricular activities. Any boys or girls I should know about? Matthew, How’s college? Tori, what schools are you applying to? Chris, you causing any trouble at home? While we were asked these questions every year, it was the answers we gave or the reactions we received that made the moment even more enjoyable.

Following the delightful feast was a battle between the cousins, and sometimes aunts and uncles, of playing Wii Sports. You sure did not want to play me in Bowling! We played. We laughed. We sometimes cheated to win. We had fun. It then became time for me and my cousin to face off in the “Breaking of the Wishbone.” I had an undefeated record for years. I swear, it was all in the wrist and the force I used to pull away.

To end off the night, we gathered around the table one last time for coffee and dessert. Perfectly brewed coffee with a selection of creamers. Pumpkin pie, apple pie, cannolis, pastries, cookies, candies and fruits filled the table. We devoured the desserts over games of “Apples to Apples” and cards. My grandmother, was a card shark in Rummy. My mom, grandma, aunt and I participated in a card showdown.

The night then came to an end when my dad would warm the car up before we hopped in for the 45 minute drive home. We gave our warm hugs and kisses goodbye, saying See you on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! My dad drove home in our family SUV as my brothers and I fall asleep after an enjoyable and memorable day with our family.

Thanksgiving is not only a time for feasting on delicious food with your family, but the time to reflect on your life over the past year and to be thankful for another year spent with family celebrating family traditions to be passed down from generation to generation.