Once Halloween was over I was ready to ring Christmas season in with some fairy lights and the mandatory Mariah Carey banger “All I Want For Christmas Is You” but before I could even hit play my host family reminded me that Thanksgiving was yet to come. “Oh, that holiday where the president pardons two turkeys,” I said and even though I wasn’t wrong that was pretty much all I knew about it as an exchange student from Germany. After experiencing this unique holiday firsthand these three aspects make me consider bringing it back home to Germany.
Pies. Every opportunity to eat pie without having to feel bad because it is mandatory is a blessing. Not only is Thanksgiving one of these opportunities but it has its own seasonal types of pies. From pumpkin over sweet potato to apple or my personal undisputed champion buttermilk pecan pie, Thanksgiving offers a variety of options that has something for everybody.
Football. One thing about Texas and especially Willis up until the loss due to the referees in the game against Desoto, I learned pretty quickly is that most of everything is all about football. Same goes for Thanksgiving. After making sure everybody’s stomach is filled with turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and all other kinds of Thanksgiving dishes, many American families gather in the living room and switch on their TV to share their passion for football.
Family. Since everyone seems to be busy all the time these days, spending time with your family has become more and more rare. Every occasion that brings families together should therefore be cherished. Even for families that don’t get along, Thanksgiving can be quite useful because it leaves much room to deal with family drama and thus guarantees a peaceful and merry Christmas.
For a first time Thanksgiving celebrant, the holiday had a lot to offer. I may not miss all American traditions when I return to Germany, but I will miss pecan pie and football.
