Today’s Song: “Hold On” by Alabama Shakes

Yesterday in English Language for Teachers, we were talking about the different holiday traditions our families have. And while the conversation, of course, led to different dialects and pronunciations of our family (the only difference in language my family uses is sarcasm), I kept thinking about the traditions of my family (or lack thereof).

Thanksgiving

Since flying around the country to visit family around Thanksgiving is just purely masochistic, my dad, my sister, and I all celebrate the feast with just us (leftovers, leftovers, leftovers). I suppose the closest thing to a Thanksgiving tradition is that my sister and I will generally argue over whether we should be traditional with a turkey or go for ham (I’m usually voting for ham), and who’s pie is better. We of course, argue a great many things anytime we’re together, but Thanksgiving we try to be genial. Doesn’t always happen of course.

We’re constantly adding or subtracting dishes, the only permanent item on the menu is mashed potatoes—because really, who hates mashed potatoes? Last year I made my butternut squash recipe. One year, years ago, we had posole and tamales for Thanksgiving dinner.

Traditions Schmaditions

My family has been in a constant state of change for a while now, and change does not beget traditions. When my sister went to Cancun instead of home for Thanksgiving, it was just my dad and I. Things change from year to year.

Next year, with my sister graduated from college, who knows where she’ll be. Me, I’ll be headed home to Poncha, my own little tradition of listening to extremely loud music the entire drive home. It’s quite amazing to me that my family is not a tradition-based family when I love routine so much. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Happy Thanksgiving, dear readers, until next time.