My first memory of Thanksgiving is absolutely watching the feast unfold in holiday movies with my brothers when we were younger. Wondering what baked sweet potato topped with marshmallows actually tasted like, and cranberry sauce with turkey. Feeling amused at how foreign it all sounded and at the same time hoping to one day try a real Thanksgiving spread.
Over the years, I’ve come to understand this day has cultural and political complications too. I believe it’s important to acknowledge the marginalisation endured by Native people over time and to express our gratitude to the rightful Native American land owners on this day and always.
Through this lens, I have found this time of year to be reflective of my own personal impact in the world; how I consume, learning more about the things I don’t know, how I offer gratitude and inviting others in. These are the insightful conversations I’ve welcomed each year around Thanksgiving, and I’m very fortunate to have a community of friends and family who encourage this too!
