Combining Heritage and Family Traditions for Thanksgiving

Roxanna Sarmiento

When you think of Thanksgiving, you probably think of the pilgrims.

While the pilgrim’s story is central to Thanksgiving lore, the modern secular holiday is only loosely based on their celebration. What we consider “traditional” fare is very different from what they served at that first Thanksgiving, because what they ate reflected their heritage and their new homeland. Could you imagine serving eel or lobster for Thanksgiving? It’s very likely that they did. I’m sure serving pumpkin pie would be as foreign to them as serving venison is to us.

Because there is no wrong way to celebrate, including your family’s unique heritage in the celebration is the most authentic way to celebrate Thanksgiving.

I know. I speak from experience.

My family is a mix of nationalities – I was born in Latin America and my husband is from Europe. We have Thanksgiving dinner with my parents in Miami – so that means that we usually have dinner outdoors and always after 7 PM. While we have turkey and cranberry sauce at our table, our meal reflects our favorites. We don’t make anyone eat green beans just because that’s what on the cooking magazine menus. (No offense to the green bean lovers out there!)

One of the easiest ways to personalize your celebration is by serving your family’s favorite sides. I’m pretty sure sweet plantains weren’t served at Plymouth, but it wouldn’t be a holiday at our house if they weren’t at our table. And while I personally love pumpkin pie, it’s too heavy for my husband so we always have some vanillekipferl (Austrian biscuits) for him.

Turkey is wonderful because it lends itself to so many variations – you can add a taste of your own traditions simply by adding spices or by stuffing it with a special dressing. Take advantage of its versatility and find a recipe that will add a taste of home. (Many recipe options are available on Butterball.com)