Week 9 Blog Post: Thanksgiving Celebration

Throughout the years, my Thanksgiving celebration has lessened in its family significance. When I was little, I remember that my family would switch off on who would host the celebration but would always come together. Our family size would make any large house into a small house because of how crowded it would be. Those who would host the gathering would bake the turkey and all those who would visit would bring side dishes like ham, mashed potatoes and more. We would combine all types of tables so that we could all sit together, eat and socialize as one. We would hold hands and pick one person to say grace. This person was either an adult or teenager who had a very successful year. It was an honor to be chosen to say grace, even though we were not very religious. Once the person finished, we would all hug one another and sit and eat. These times were great and will forever live in my mind and heart but as time as passed, the family has distanced themselves from each other. Small conflicts within parts of my family have been turned into year long feuds that have yet to end. Although we have lost the family touch, I will continue the significance of bringing our families together with the my generation and our children.
After reminiscing about what used to be, I'm still very glad to be able to spend time with my family, regardless of whether or not it is a holiday. For this Thanksgiving day my family and I celebrated with my cousin's girlfriend's family in the Crenshaw area. Although I was a bit sentimental to have to celebrate my first Thanksgiving without my mom, I was able to allow myself to be happy for a night and create new memories with my family. Although we were not with our biological family, we spent time with our new soon-to-be family as my cousin proposed to his girlfriend after singing her a serenata. We were all very excited and overwhelmed but full of joy. This year has taught me that although some people share the same blood as me, they aren't necessarily my family. Sometimes people who were complete strangers are better family than those who share my DNA. My Thanksgiving was all in all very well spent. My family is so important to me that i kept them to myself in my drawing. What I was willing to share about our celebrations and our homes is that we love (and make) amazingly delicious food, we have very vibrant homes, cultures and personalities. In addition, as you can tell by the cross on the wall, there is a general tone of religiousness but we are not strict practicers. We also absolutely LOVE dancing to and singing songs. As the continuing couch indicates, there is another room where music is coming from and where my family is dancing but it is left up to the imagination of the viewer to see what is happening. This lack of specifying the physical appearances of my family can also allow viewers to further relate to the set up of the home and the symbolism behind something as simple as a cross on the wall.