Wild Thanksgiving Festivities

 With the holidays just around the corner, Thanksgiving prep was chaotic! The grocery stores were like battlefields—carts bumping, shelves emptying, and people darting around like they were in a game of dodgeball. When Thanksgiving Day finally arrived, my boyfriend, Matt, came over, and we kicked things off by playing a few video games and watching some TV to pass the time before the big event. I won’t lie—I was a bundle of nerves. This was the moment: Matt’s first official meeting with my entire family. He’d already met my mom and grandma a few times, but this was the whole clan. No pressure, right? By 2:00, it was time to head out. We piled into the car and made our way to my mom’s cousin Lori’s house. As we pulled up, we saw family members arriving, arms full of delicious-looking side dishes, and our stomachs practically growled in anticipation. The smell wafting from the house was heavenly. Inside, the table was a feast for the senses: chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, creamed corn, and so many other mouthwatering dishes. It felt like a scene straight out of a foodie’s dream. After everyone stuffed themselves silly, the house buzzed with conversation and laughter. Little cousin Niko stole the show, running up and down the hallway like he was training for a toddler marathon. At one point, we had to stand by the china cabinet to prevent him from slamming into it, as he would charge down the hallway full speed and crash into the closet door. Eventually, around 4:00, Matt and I said our goodbyes, exchanged a few rounds of hugs, and promised to come back soon. We piled back into the car and made our way to his family’s Thanksgiving celebration for another round of feasting! While things were definitely a little less chaotic at Matt’s family’s house, the food? Still incredible. I thought I was done eating, but as soon as we walked in, I could practically hear my stomach begging for more. How could I resist the spread of turkey, stuffing, and more amazing dishes? It was all practically calling my name. Before diving into the second round of deliciousness, Matt, his brother, and I engaged in some fierce Mario Kart races. The competition was so intense that I’m pretty sure we were all more focused on that than we were on the food coma waiting for us. By the time dinner was ready, we’d worked up an appetite, but even with the adrenaline rush of the game, it was hard to keep shoveling in more food. We gathered around the table, stories flying in all directions. I felt like part of the family in no time, and the warmth and comfort of being surrounded by people who care made everything feel perfect, despite being so full I could barely move. By the time I finally got home, I was practically a walking food baby. I sank into the couch, fully aware that I was in for a night of sweet, sweet food-induced slumber. The only thing better than the food was the joy of spending the day with both families, and honestly, I couldn’t have asked for a better Thanksgiving.