My First Thanksgiving

My First Thanksgiving: A Story of Gratitude and Community

“What are you doing for Thanksgiving?”

When our friend, of course a german, Klaus asked me that question, my family and I had only been in the United States for a few days. We had no idea what Thanksgiving even was, let alone how to celebrate it.

Curious and eager to experience something new, we happily accepted Klaus’s invitation to join his family and friends for the holiday. Little did we know that we were about to be part of a celebration unlike anything we’d ever experienced.

A New Holiday, A New Tradition

I thought Thanksgiving might be similar to Christmas dinners back home...a quiet, intimate affair. A cozy meal, maybe a glass of wine, and a little conversation over coffee.

Oh, how wrong I was!

Instead, we were greeted by a scene that took my breath away: a dining table that seemed to go on forever, piled high with food I couldn’t even name. There were golden-crisp vegetables, rich sauces, side dishes bursting with flavor, and at the center of it all, the biggest, most perfect turkey I’d ever seen. The aroma alone was enough to make my mouth water.

But the food wasn’t even the best part.

The Heart of Thanksgiving

What made that first Thanksgiving unforgettable was the people.

Klaus’s family and friends welcomed us with open arms, their warmth and laughter filling the room. They made us feel like we’d known them for years. Everyone was curious about our story, how we had come to the U.S., what life was like back home in east germany, and how we were settling in.

We talked, laughed, and shared stories late into the night. That evening, we didn’t just feel accepted; we felt home.

A Tradition of Gratitude

Since that first Thanksgiving, the holiday has become one of my favorites. Every year, as we gather with friends and family, I think back to that table overflowing with food and love.

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the turkey or the side dishes (though I won’t lie, they’re pretty great). It’s about connection, community, and gratitude. It’s a time to pause and reflect on the people who have enriched your life.

This year, as I carve the turkey, I’ll be thinking of all the incredible people I’ve met on this journey, friends, clients, and colleagues who’ve shown me kindness, support, and friendship.

To all of you: thank you for being part of my story.

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, laughter, and gratitude.

Happy Thanksgiving from my family to yours.

🧡Annett