We had a Thanksgiving in Canada growing up (it’s in October) but the US version is a much bigger deal and the meal/gathering is generally a much bigger event. More days off school/work, more food, football* on TV all day. God bless American Thanksgiving, the greatest and bestest holiday of all.

I have experienced a variety of Thanksgivings (hosted by old people, 20-something’s, friends, my wife’s extended family, etc.) in my years in this country and they’ve all been delightful. Lots of great food. And I always enjoy the theme of gratitude and being thankful for the people we love and the time we have with them.

But this is my first time making the turkey myself. It felt like I was in the warm embrace of a bald eagle as I prepped the turkey last night. It’s another level of Americana I hadn’t yet experienced.

Please bless that no one gets food poisoning, or that if they do, at least I don’t, and no one realizes that it was my fault. At least my kids won’t get sick, because they won’t eat anything.

*Maybe the CFL is on all day on Canadian Thanksgiving. Impossible to know. Who cares. If so, it doesn’t count.