Chapter 1: Embracing Diversity at Thanksgiving

A Palestinian man, a Jewish woman, a born-again Christian, and an atheist walked into my home for Thanksgiving. How fortunate am I to have family and friends from such varied backgrounds choosing to celebrate together? The answer: EXTREMELY fortunate!

Without hesitation, I invited guests representing a spectrum of beliefs. Among them were atheists, a born-again Christian, a Jewish woman, and a Palestinian man. My husband, who hails from an Assyrian/Eastern Orthodox background in Iran, and I, who have my own quirky beliefs, rounded out the group. While I believe in Jesus, I also entertain the idea of him being an Arcturian alien.

There exists both good and evil in the world. Therefore, let’s focus on being part of the positive change we wish to see. We must spread love to counteract the hate that threatens to consume us.

BUT I DIGRESS…

THANKSGIVING 2023 WAS INCREDIBLE!!!

Sure, I felt a bit anxious, which led me to burn sage from California that morning.

I walked through my home, reminding it to be a space filled with light, love, and laughter. After much preparation, I managed to gather most of my family in our new home in Wisconsin. We feasted, laughed, and shared stories about our lives. Despite having 14 guests—some arriving late—I cherished every moment.

My basement might be small and unfinished, but it was filled with joy!

A ping pong table arrived just in time for Thanksgiving, much to my relief. The kittens had been wreaking havoc on the pool table, so I ordered a folding ping pong tabletop designed to protect it.

BEST.DECISION.EVER!!!

The kids, including our three grandchildren and our niece—who we raised as legal guardians—were thrilled to have it. They spent hours in the basement playing ping pong, drumming, and coloring in activity books I had prepared for them.

Both Lorens and I played on the ping pong team for Jensen Park’s Chicago park district over 40 years ago.

I joked with him that while he might beat me in pool, he wouldn’t do so in ping pong! In the end, he narrowly won our match after a tight competition. Just saying!

During our gathering, we heard about the harsh realities some still face in Chicago. Our 14-year-old grandniece and her boyfriend were shot at near their high school last week. It’s the same school Lorens and I attended and where I proudly wore my letterman jacket as a swimmer in the class of 1983. What a sad legacy for Roosevelt High School! The school had to go on a soft lockdown—whatever that means in 2023.

To shift the mood, I focused on maintaining a positive atmosphere in my home. With wars and loss all around us, it’s crucial to redirect our thoughts, whether it's in conflict zones or the streets of Chicago.

This Thanksgiving, I was determined to fill our home with happiness and laughter, creating memories that everyone could cherish. I wanted my grandniece to have a joyful, innocent Thanksgiving with her siblings and cousins, guiding them through love and positivity. She is the oldest, and I encouraged her to use her influence wisely.

I reminded her that she has the power to shape their lives, and with that power comes responsibility. A big smile lit up her face as I encouraged her to channel her energy positively. The laughter that followed was a sign that they were all having a wonderful time.

Now, back to the delicious food…

I prepared a 22-pound turkey, a 12-pound ham, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, southern baked mac and cheese, green bean casserole, homemade stuffing and gravy, two kinds of salad, and biscuits. For dessert, there were apple and pumpkin pies topped with cool whip, along with cupcakes.

Everyone raved about the feast, claiming it was one of the best Thanksgivings ever! I thought I had overcooked some items, but the compliments poured in, and there were no leftovers. Each guest happily took home a container of their favorite dishes.

The next day, my husband and I enjoyed the appetizers I hadn’t had time to make. A win for us!

We consciously avoided discussions about religion and politics. Food can be a medium for expressing love, and I aimed to promote, encourage, and celebrate that love through my cooking.

Our Thanksgiving was filled with shared stories, laughter, and a sense of belonging. It reaffirmed that home truly is where the heart is.

Wishing love and laughter to everyone this Thanksgiving and every day—it’s what truly matters. XOXOXOXOXO.