Musings: Thanksgiving's place is between fall, winter joy
Food and family are two hallmarks of this November celebration. Credit: Getty Images/John Moore
With summer having faded, the holiday season is upon us. The transition from summer to autumn seems more abrupt each year. Halloween dominates the autumn until, suddenly, stores and shops are filled with Christmas trees, menorahs, and all manner of glittering lights and ornaments. But wait — what about Thanksgiving?
My favorite fall holiday gets a bit lost in the shuffle. Thanksgiving is a true holiday — sorry, kids, schools aren’t closed on Halloween. Thanksgiving has its own magic. It may lack the glitz and spectacle of its autumn cousin, but it has a way of wrapping its arms around you and holding you in a warm embrace. Food, family, and reflection are the hallmarks of this November celebration. My childhood in Bellmore was no exception.
The traditional Thanksgiving feast is the focus. Preparation of the turkey and side dishes included stuffing made from scratch by my grandmother from a special loaf of stuffing bread encased in what looked like waxed paper, not plastic. Canned cranberry sauce and a homemade, whole berry variety were staples. We had mashed white potatoes, sweet potatoes, and turnips, an acquired taste. All was accompanied by Nana’s special giblet gravy! Mom added a string bean casserole from a recipe found in Woman’s Day magazine bought at the local A&P. It was made with cream of mushroom soup and topped with crispy onion rings, still a family favorite.
Cooking the turkey was a special event. It was slow-cooked, beginning early in the morning or even the night before. I was allowed to go to my grandparents’ house to take a peek at the great bird for a moment. It glistened in the oven, turning golden brown. My grandmother basted it with juices from the roasting pan. No need to travel over the river and through the woods. My grandmother’s house was only a few doors away.
Finally, there were special desserts. Pies were ordered in advance from Moritz Bakery in Bellmore Village — coconut custard, Grandpa’s favorite, and the quintessential pumpkin pie. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was on the TV, ending with the arrival of Santa Claus. It is Thanksgiving that truly marks the beginning of our winter holiday season.
— Vic Caliman, Kings Park
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