Thanksgiving has a great deal of meaning to me. It was the first holiday I was on my own. Nearly twenty years ago, I had a falling out with my maternal side of my family. Holidays were always special with my aunts and cousins. We used to congregate at my aunt’s big white house up on the hill and food and drinks were aplenty. She invited her friends and their kids to the big shindigs. Even though I’m an only child, I never felt lonely.

I was determined not to feel alone on my first holiday without them so I began my annual Friendsgiving tradition. I learned family comes in more forms than just the traditional sense. In some instances, my longtime friends have become the siblings I never had. I wanted to start celebrating with those who had helped me on my journey. Over the years and decades, the circle of friends at my Friendsgiving has evolved as life naturally does but the spirit of giving and sharing remains.

I decided to recreate the festivities in my own home. I wasn’t adept at cooking for large groups, but I luckily had Martha Stewart aiding my journey. Thanks to her very detailed recipes and cooking shows, I quickly learned how to set the table, how to roast a moist and delicious turkey and how to make the creamiest mashed potatoes.
Nearly two decades later, I still use her as a guide, but I’ve made my own modifications through trial and error. This year will be my first all-organic Thanksgiving and that makes me very happy and proud as not only will it be a gift of friendship but also a gift of health. Hopefully, I will pace myself a bit better today and not stress out too much as the process of creating this Thanksgiving feast is what gives me the greatest joy.

I’m starting off my day, as I do everyday, by heading to the gym, to workout, shifting my focus internally. It helps clear my head and work out any aggressions I may have. Afterwards, my annual Thanksgiving tradition will begin, with preparing and eating breakfast while watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving parade. After the most important meal of the day is completed, then the roasting, the boiling, peeling and baking begin. That’s when I hope the magic will happen, when I will begin, as I did 19 years ago, and create a feast to celebrate love, friendship and gratitude for the special people in my life.