Few holidays are more important in our family than Thanksgiving. Growing up, our Thanksgiving consisted of a enormous Thanksgiving supper- served usually around 2pm that consisted of any number of strange and unusual dishes depending on which house we were at. There was the year of the squirrel dumplings (Grandma’s in Arkansas) and the year of the deep fried turkey (Aunt & Uncles in Illinois) and the year the power went out and we had to finish the meal on the charcoal bbq (Philadelphia). Now that I’m married, we always do Thanksgiving with my husband’s family… in Florida… about 1000 miles away from the cold, snowy Thanksgivings I knew as a kid.

Thanksgiving in Florida is different. Its more like the 4th of July for me, only without the fireworks. My husband’s family & friends gets together around noon at a local park, has a big potluck picnic (including turkey!) and plays a little touch football or beach volley ball. Inevitably my husband attempts to throw someone into the lake… usually his younger cousins, and that’s Thanksgiving. I love having the potluck at the park, but even after three years of it, it still doesn’t feel like real thanksgiving to me. Maybe its because I can’t eat copious amounts of turkey and then pass out on the couch! 🙂

Instead of heading to warm and sunny Florida this year, we’re heading to JAMAICA to celebrate Grandma Florence’s 85th Birthday.  While it will probably even feel less like thanksgiving in Jamaica, I’m looking forward to the vacation.  Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!