My Love & Hate For Thanksgiving
This isn’t a political post.
By Grace K. Bianco
It ends with me ranting about how embarrassing my plate is.
I know there’s a lot of controversy these days revolving around Thanksgiving, but I am going to try to steer clear of that kind of conversation. This blog is more focused on the actual food and being thankful. I am not a blogger who tries to start debates with their followers or purposely tries to upset others.
With that all in mind, let me start by telling you about my favorite holiday. My favorite holiday is Valentine’s Day. I love the day of love. I know some people think Valentine’s Day is just a scheme to get money, but I see it as so much more. I just love the whole idea of it. In a relationship or not, there is always someone to love. It’s a good day to really reflect on God’s love as well.
I will definitely dive deeper into that love when it gets closer to Valentine’s Day.
Anyways, I needed to share that, because when I start dissing Thanksgiving in a second, I want you to know it has nothing to do with selfishness.
My “Hate” for Thanksgiving
I sat here for a while debating whether or not to start with love or hate. I decided on hate, because I can rant for a second and end on a positive note.
Right off the bat, I hate Thanksgiving food. Before you roast me in the comments, let me explain myself. I am lactose intolerant, and Thanksgiving is the worst holiday in the world to accommodate that. Think about it. Every casserole is full of cream of something, cream cheese, cheese, every kind of milk possible, and three pounds of butter.
It’s just not a good day to not tolerate dairy.
My hate doesn’t end with the lack of food I am able to consume though. It ends with me ranting about how embarrassing my plate is. People’s plates will be piled high and everyone is talking about how great so and so’s casserole is. Then, there’s me with my tiny slice of turkey and a roll.
Every year, it’s the same. And every year, it brings tons of attention to me. People feel sorry for my pathetic looking plate, and people start questioning my allergy. “Can’t you just have a taste of this?” “I am sure you could handle it.” “This only has half a stick of butter in it.” Trust me… I absolutely cannot handle Thanksgiving food jam packed with dairy. Besides, I honestly don’t feel like I am missing out. Casseroles just aren’t my thing anyways.
Most years, I wish it was socially acceptable to eat under the table. I appreciate everyone’s concern, but it makes me feel so embarrassed and bad. I am not there to be picky or make anyone feel bad for my lack of options. I just don’t want to sit on the toilet for five hours later on.
My oldest sister is also lactose intolerant and knows the struggle well. We understand our restrictive diet, and wish that people didn’t feel bad about it. It’s no one’s fault, and we are 100% used to not being able to eat things. We don’t expect the world (especially the South) to cater to our allergy.
My Love for Thanksgiving
Now, I will talk about what I love. I love that we have a whole day dedicated to being thankful. Every year, I am always astonished at how much more I have to be thankful for than the last year. I shared my little tidbit on my love for Valentine’s Day, because just like I love reflecting on love, I love thinking of every reason I have to be thankful. God continues to bless me, and I will continue to be thankful.
This is my first Thanksgiving as a wife. Last year, I was a fiancee, and the year before that, I didn’t even know my now husband existed. I am so thankful to be married to my best friend. We have made SOO many memories, and have shared so many laughs together. He is my favorite blessing.
I not only have my own family to be thankful for, but I married into another great family. I am telling you all… I lucked out with my in-laws. My mother-in-law especially is the best, and I feel so sorry for the many wives who don’t have a good relationship with theirs. I am thankful that I can be excited to celebrate two Thanksgivings and not have to dread being around one or both families.
I am thankful for our cute little house. I am thankful for our new kitten, Ghost. I am thankful for the Dodge Durango my husband and I bought for me in the summer that will eventually be my mom car. I am thankful for our camper that is our home away from home. I am thankful for this laptop that allows me to write my heart out almost everyday. I am thankful for EACH of you.
I am thankful I was given another year to be grateful for. I am thankful to know God and how good He is. I am thankful for the life I have now.
Is Thanksgiving really that bad?
In the end, Thanksgiving really isn’t the worst. I love being dramatic and sarcastic in my writing. So although I cringe through the serving food part, I really do love spending time with family.
It’s important to always be grateful. Whether it’s the day for thankfulness or not, life isn’t promised. It is so precious. Even when we don’t deserve it, God is so good to us. We have to remember these things every single day.
I hope you all have a place to be this Thanksgiving. I hope you have a long list of things that you are thankful for as well. Whether you can eat all of the food or are limited like me, I hope you enjoy what you can get.
*Taken from Canva
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