Opening Thoughts

Thanksgiving has a way of making you pause and take stock of what really matters. For my family, it’s more than just turkey and pumpkin pie—it’s about showing up, keeping traditions alive, and sometimes surviving the chaos that comes with it. Yesterday was no exception. Between navigating crowded tables, debates over who’s bringing what, and the inevitable “pass the mashed potatoes” shuffle, I found myself thinking about why we bother with all of it. And the answer, as always, came back to one simple thing: family.

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Why I Write

It’s been a while since I’ve written this much on the blog. Lately, sitting down and putting my thoughts and feelings into words has been surprisingly therapeutic. I’ve always said that this space isn’t really for anyone else—it’s my diary, my outlet. If I gain followers, that’s great. If I lose them, that’s fine too. This is for me, and that’s enough.

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Family Gatherings: Love and Logistics

For my family, Thanksgiving is one of those holidays where we make an effort to come together around the table. Mostly, we do it for my mom. Honestly, if she weren’t around, I doubt very seriously that these gatherings would still happen. It’s funny how one person can be the glue that keeps everyone connected, isn’t it?

We also try to celebrate birthdays together. Usually, a date during the month is picked for a small get-together. But, for some reason, we never seem to meet in August for my birthday. I’ve never quite figured out why, but I’ve stopped letting it bother me.

I don’t mind the big holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving or Christmas, but birthday get-togethers can start to feel like a logistical challenge—expensive, time-consuming, and sometimes exhausting. Sometimes it feels like we’re traveling every few weeks, and, of course, the house we end up meeting at is always the farthest from mine. I swear, it’s like my GPS secretly enjoys making me drive in circles.

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The Chaos Is Worth It

Despite the chaos—the crowded tables, the debates over who’s bringing what dish, and the inevitable “pass the mashed potatoes” race—there’s something special about these gatherings. Being around family, even if just for a few hours, reminds me of what really matters.

The laughter, the shared memories, the small moments of connection—they’re worth every mile traveled and every effort spent. Even when someone accidentally drops the cranberry sauce on the floor, or Uncle Joe tells the same story for the hundredth time, it all adds to the experience.

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Reflections on Gratitude

The best part is that no matter how hectic it gets, or how many extra servings of pie I have to endure, we’re all still together. These little imperfect traditions are what anchor us. They remind us that family isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up, supporting each other, and sometimes laughing at ourselves along the way.

So, as I sit here reflecting after Thanksgiving, I feel grateful. Grateful for my family, for my mom, for the chance to keep these little rituals alive, and for this blog that allows me to put my thoughts into words. Sometimes, writing is the best way to understand what really matters—and right now, family, chaos and all, is at the top of that list.