Today is the day before Thanks Giving. Everyone is rushing to the shops, buying food and drinks for the big family gatherings happening tomorrow, all over the country. A lot of people are on the road today. They fly, they drive, some of them for hours and hours to be with their parents, grand parents and siblings. Traditionally, it was to say thanks for the harvest of the preceding year but these days, everyone celebrates the gifts of love and friendship we give and receive, all year long. I feel the buzz in the air and look forward to learn more about the celebrations, the food, the rituals.
And despite being such a family celebration, full of tradition, I am surprised by the number of invitations our family receives to spend Thanks Giving and I wonder if in Europe we would be this welcoming.
We decided to spend Thanks Giving with the Eilers who live "only" 3 hours away in Indiana. and yes, it still feels unreal that we can actually drive and crash with these guys, twenty years after being their neighbors in Chancy, in Switzerland...!
The big day arrived and just like Christmas day, the food in Thanks Giving is excessive and extravagant, the conversations are crossed and semi-stitched because everyone talks at the same time. This is, after all, a rare chance for the family members to catch up on all sorts of happenings, achievements, incidents and health scares. And it warms my heart to notice that no matter the country, language or religion, family reunions are always wacky, stressful, and are much amusing if you have a good sense of humor a couple of glasses of wine...
We came back home buzzing with new memories and old jokes, told time and time again to the patient teenagers who still have time for their parents and their old friends. And our hearts were filled with joy because despite the years and the challenges thrown at us, our friendship endured and like good wine, has improved with the years. Here is cheers to family & friends and new old traditions!
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