My Favorite Day of the Year by Caitlin Crews

I love Thanksgiving.

I love it on the years I travel, driving miles and miles or flying across the country with thousands of others to make it home in time.

I love it when it's just me and my husband, on a small scale, making a meal for just the two of us to share.

And I love it when it's nearby, filled with family and friends and dish after dish of glorious food.

I love the food, of course. I grew up on green bean casserole, stuffing, gravy, creamed onions, and my Nana's sweet potatoes with marshmallows. Followed by pecan and pumpkin pies. That's always what I consider "real" Thanksgiving. But I can appreciate the differences in the meal, because everyone has a different "real" Thanksgiving meal template. One friend of mine makes a mean carrot souffle. Another makes a yam dish without marshmallows that is still somehow so satisfying. I've seen healthy Thanksgiving meals (no, really!) and meals that make the arteries weep. Both are wonderful.

I think there's something special about cooking all day (sometimes longer!) and then sitting down at a table with a big group of loved ones, no matter who they are. There's something special about sharing a day of feasting and merriment that isn't tied to any particular creed or belief--that's open to all of us. All you have to do is be thankful.

Which I will be tomorrow, in spades. I hope you will be too. Happy Thanksgiving to all who take part.