Thanksgiving: I'm Thankful for Chocolate Pie!

With ‘Holiday Season’ fast approaching I celebrated the American classic – Thanksgiving – with the religiously bike riding vegetarian of my previous post. We shall name him Andrew. We travelled to the ‘burbs just outside the state capital of Jackson; named, of course, for the seventh president of the United States (shown, not to true scale to the left!). (As an historical aside, Mississippi’s second Constitution of 1832 flowed with principles of Jacksonian Democracy, and was one of the most radical state constitutions of the time with regard to the lack of property rights needed to vote. The city of Jackson was founded as the capital because the site within fifty miles of the state’s centre, had ample timber supplies, and direct waterways. I do love my Mississippi History class – y’all.)

Every American student had told me of the Thanksgiving Feast. Fears of eating myself into a catatonic stupor were not a million miles away from the truth. When we arrived, a day before the main event, the kitchen was alive with cooking. In the process of being made were pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake, chocolate pie, pecan pie, and a sweet potato casserole. The casserole arises much discussion on whether its status lies as a main dish or dessert; its vegetable base suggested main, but its crumbly pecan topping (some families use marshmallows too) gives a dessert quality. We ate the sweet potatoes as a main, alongside turkey, ham, cornbread ‘dressing’ (a Southern delicacy and sort of stuffing), vegetables, mashed potatoes, and homemade cranberry sauce. The turkey was a thing of pride and beauty; lovingly fried by Andrew’s father in the back yard. My scepticism at the cooking method was assuaged upon seeing how moist the meat remained compared to roasting.

After the delicious meal Andrew, his two brothers, and I played games in the yard, while his grandfather snoozed and watched a quintessential American football game. That weekend was one of the last of the college football season and saw intra-state rivals attempt to best each other – Florida State Vs. University of Florida for example. In the evening the entire family took part in board games – Cranium, Smart Ass etc. – and had a jolly old time.

I’m very grateful for being so welcomed into a family’s home for the holiday. Although, I do find it odd that Thanksgiving feels so similar Christmas but with no presents, or that in a month’s time families again cook a turkey and socialise with each other. As wonderful as the day was, and how good it is to have a day of reflection for thanks, I’m glad we don’t have an equivalent holiday. But I cannot emphasise how lovely three days from class were – especially now I’m, once again, feeling exam stress, essay stress, and an overwhelming last minute scramble for grades.

Just two weeks until Christmas break – roll on Colorado, Ottawa, and Chicago. And watch this space. 

Enjoying the Mississippi Capitol - Jackson, MS.