Turkey and Stuffing - Now Add the Ribeye: The Pilgrims Missed This Part
One year ago, on Thanksgiving, I was sitting on a couch watching football, and I had this idea that I’d take my son to his first NFL football game – the Bills vs. the Patriots at Gilette. Football has become a big thing for us. We are in fantasy football leagues, Draft Kings Millionaire wannabees, and we even attended our first college game, Miami at BC, this week. So, last year, my son was supposed to be with me on Thanksgiving, and he wasn’t. Then, feeling bad that the holiday was going by without him, I called him to ask if he wanted to catch the Bills vs. Patriots game, live at the stadium. Then his mother got on the phone and told me that she’d rather he go to the game with her boyfriend and that she would get them tickets.
Naturally, I protested and went to the game with him…accompanied by his mom’s boyfriend. Oh, the compromises we make when it comes to our kids. Last year’s Thanksgiving was tough. It has always been my favorite holiday – particularly when I get to cook. It’s a passion of mine and goes back to my days as a short-order cook in high school. Back then, my friend Jamie Pagano and I signed up for and took two years of culinary arts classes. This year’s Thanksgiving was fantastic – and I got to carve a five lb. ribeye into three slabs and take a swing at cooking them on an outdoor grill. According to Zagat, they came out perfectly with a heavy cast iron pan, avocado oil, salt, pepper, butter, garlic, and thyme.
We also played football on the lawn this year - and it looked nothing like this - particularly when I fell
This year was something different. It was like a scene out of a Hallmark flick. We ate a lot. Laughed all day. Watched every game, and one of this year’s attendees owns a golf course. He gave Luca and me free passes so that we can show up and whack away when the temp goes back up. I am ending this Thanksgiving weekend legitimately full of thanks – only wishing that Thanksgiving weekend could be a full seven days with another gathering or two.
Thanksgiving is a day that goes beyond the usual holiday festivities, offering a blend of rich traditions, family togetherness, and valuable lessons for children. No presents to buy, no cards to send, no obligatory pictures on the lap of the guy at the mall, no dressing up…it’s a simple concept. Thanksgiving is arguably the best holiday, and we should recognize the lifelong lessons it teaches children.
It looked more like this - only waaaay thicker cuts
The holiday is synonymous with family and friends gathering. For children, this is more than just a fun day; it's an opportunity to bond with relatives they might not see often. The warmth and laughter shared during these gatherings are irreplaceable, creating memories that last a lifetime. It teaches children the importance of family and maintaining close relationships, regardless of the distance or busy life schedules.
At the heart of Thanksgiving is gratitude. It's a day expressly set aside to reflect on and appreciate the good in our lives. I think we forget this too often – and I don’t know if we have more stress or less than our parents and grandparents. But too often, I’m like, when will it all be, okay? There should be more than one day in which we take time to reflect on what is great in our lives. Taking a day for us and our kids to express gratitude for blessings, big and small, can’t be bad. This practice of thankfulness is not just for the holiday but is a valuable life lesson that fosters positivity and contentment in their everyday lives.
At school, Thanksgiving offers a learning opportunity for children about the holiday's history and cultural significance. Whether it’s through storytelling, school plays, or class discussions, children learn about the origins of Thanksgiving, the historical context, and how it has evolved. This understanding fosters a sense of cultural awareness and respect for traditions.
Thanksgiving is also a time for giving and sharing. Many families participate in community service or donate to those in need during this holiday. Children learn the importance of empathy and compassion as they understand that not everyone is as fortunate. This lesson in generosity and kindness is invaluable and shapes them into more considerate and socially responsible individuals. And in today's fast-paced world, Thanksgiving slows things down a bit. It encourages enjoying the simple pleasures of life - a delicious meal, heartwarming conversations, and the cozy comfort of being surrounded by loved ones. Children learn to appreciate these moments, understanding that happiness often lies in simplicity and togetherness.
The only downfall of Thanksgiving Looks Something Like This
The preparation of the Thanksgiving feast is an adventure. Kids often get involved in the kitchen, learning family recipes and the joy of cooking. These moments are fun and educational, teaching them cooking skills, the importance of meal planning, and the joy of sharing a meal they helped prepare. As I stood out on the deck, Luca was next to me poking the meat with the thermometer and learning how important the ending temperature of the Ribeye is. Too rare is gross, and too cooked is grosser.
For me, one of the best parts of this year was when Luca started talking about Thanksgiving next year. We were in the car driving to Boston, and out of the blue, he started talking about what we should cook next year. There, he provided me with the most authentic assessment of the best holiday of the year. For him, the best holiday is 30 days from now – He’s 12. So it is easy to understand why.