As we focus our attention on Thanksgiving, I am reminded of

a simpler time when Thanksgiving really was Thanksgiving.

It wasn't the commercialized version we have today.  There was no racing to the stores at 3AM Black friday sales - we didn't have that kind of money anyway.

EVERYONE, no matter what their heritage, had the traditional turkey and stuffing.  All of us would help mom make other Japanese dishes - kinpira gobo, nishime, namasu, etc. to round out the meal. I also remember the fancy ham mom made - came out of the can.  She would slice the top in a criss cross pattern, stick some cloves in it and mix up some crushed pineapple and brown sugar that she added to the top.  She'd bake it until it was golden brown. Dad made a killer pineapple upside down cake in a heavy cast iron skillet!   

I remember all the wonderful aromas that filled the house while we cooked!  

We didn't have fancy tableware or crystal glasses.  Our mealtime was simple but full of wonderful food that we all helped to prepare.

We ate at the simple wooden table and sat on the benches that had been made by my dad.   We had plenty to eat and a roof over our heads. How fortunate we were! 

Thanksgiving day was spent eating and relaxing - as a family. That's what I love about Thanksgiving.