Voices bustling with energy and excitement as relative after relative piles into the designated house of the year. Food is laid out in all directions and portrays a variety of delectable dishes. Each family contributes something unique, helping to create our traditional Thanksgiving pot luck dinner.
When I say I have a huge family, I really mean it.
Cousins and relatives arrive from all over the place, such as New Hampshire, Ohio, Washington D.C., and many more. A lot of my family come from Cape Cod, like me, as well. During Thanksgiving, all the family members closest to each other (All from the Cape and New Hampshire and occasionally my cousins from Ohio too) will gather in one house.
With about 30-40 people in one house, sometimes things can get a little crazy. People will be moving back and forth while still trying to finish last minute preparations. The younger kids run around playing, causing mischief, and trying to act "cool" in front of all the adults. Everyone is spread out around whatever house we are in, conversing with one another. People catch up with each other, but mainly we talk about whatever may be going on in our lives or a topic that comes to mind. Even though we don't see each other every week, we are still a close family.
When the food is finally ready, and my mother has calmed her stress and worry of the night, everyone grabs a plate and utensils. I feel like we always form an assembly line, letting the potent scent of the food guide our way. From mashed potatoes, quiche (and baby quiche), scalloped potatoes, my great-aunt Betty's famous applesauce, various vegetable dishes, to the famous turkey (as long as my mom had luck and nothing went wrong with it), there is always plenty of food to go around. My mom, sister, and I usually end up with so many leftovers we have Thanksgiving dinner for a week.
Being older now I spend more time with the adults, taking part in conversations of current politics, family drama, and other interesting topics. I still hang out with the other kids though, because they are all wonderful in every way. Whatever house we go to, the youngest generations always end up together in our own little spot in the house. When Thanksgiving resides at my house, we always end up in what we call the "Big Room", or the living room. What I love most about Thanksgiving with my family, is the fact that we can have all of us together in one place without any problems. Not many families I know can do that.
There has been a steady heart and soul in my family that keeps us close, and since a majority of us all live on the Cape, it has been even easier for us all to keep in touch. The road I live on keeps us together as well, because it has been entirely family owned for multiple generations.
Another year passed and Thanksgiving of 2016 is upon us. My family has moved to a different relatives house this year and we will have more people than ever. I will also be bringing new food to the menu, courtesy of my wonderful and beautiful roommate.
I look forward to seeing familiar faces of the people I love during a time of family and I wish for everyone to have a fantastic turkey day with people that they love as well.
Surround yourself with those who make you happy.
Have a happy Thanksgiving everyone!
