Celebrating Thanksgiving

CEBU, Philippines - Every November, millions of Americans get together with family and friends for the traditional Thanksgiving holiday. On the 4th Thursday, the weeklong preparations come to a peak with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Admittedly, I grew up not celebrating this most American of holidays until I met my husband Glenn from Upstate New York who introduced me to the wonderful world of turkey and stuffing over 30 years ago.

Perhaps some people may not be aware how the time-honored tradition started beyond the story of the first Thanksgiving celebrated in 1621 by the Plymouth colonists and the Wampanoag Indians.

History notes that the bitter winter prevented the pilgrims from building their settlement and many died during the harsh months. The neighboring Indians taught them how to plant crops and vegetables and  trained them in survival techniques.

When the warm season arrived, the harvest was plentiful. There was much to celebrate that year, they built homes, and raised enough food for the winter.

The Governor of the Pilgrims, William Bradford, declared a thanksgiving to celebrate the bountiful harvest   and the feasting lasted for three days. It became a national holiday in 1941 when Congress declared it so, shortly before the start of World War II.

Back to our home in Bauhinia Drive, we once again celebrated this holiday meal with family and friends. Though Glenn was in the States, we continued with our time honored tradition.

In addition to our mainstay guests  such as the Rotaeches, the Mill-Irvings,  Mayen Tan,  and my siblings,  we were delighted to have  friends from Manila join us for the occasion. They included Elizabeth Sy, Nes Jardin, Wally Baynes,Cecile Manikan  and, from Baguio, dear friend Freddie Alquiros who can whip up a sinfully delicious food for the gods. 

As in the years past, our menu remained  the same. We had pumpkin soup, salad, turkey, stuffing, farmers ham, yams, sweet corn, cranberry sauce, and baked potatoes. And let us not forget dessert of freshly baked  apple pie, and mango surprise.

To the delight of the guests, accomplished singer Keith Segura performed  some Broadway classics and all time favorites. It was a perfect culmination to an evening filled with laughter, love and friendship.  

Thanksgiving dinner is truly about spending time with loved ones. Giving thanks after all will always be the primary reason for ceremonies and celebrations. (FREEMAN)