Ever since my childhood, Thanksgiving has been my favorite holiday, and I recall that my mother and maternal grandmother spent many weeks preparing for the festivities. What each of us remembers about our childhoods has always been a subject of fascination to me, in the sense that even those raised in the same home with the same experiences will recall different aspects of what transpired.
For example, when I was young, many of my cousins, aunts and uncles, would have Thanksgiving together each year, but one vivid memory of mine that is not shared by many in my family is the trip with Mama and, sometimes, Daddy, to "pick up" our dressed Thanksgiving turkey in rural Suwannee County.
Our cousins, the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Turman (cousins Kid and Mae) grew turkeys to sell at holiday time. They sold their turkeys to various locally-owned grocery stores and to individuals. They grew the turkeys, butchered them and sold them. The late Mr. Mallory Tuten in Jasper, who owned Mallory's for many years, a wonderful grocery store, bought his turkeys from cousins Kid and Mae Turman in Live Oak. Many times we spent Thanksgiving with my maternal grandparents in Suwannee County, but there were times they came to us. Sometimes, we had such a crowd, we had the rare treat of enjoying Grandma Taylor's turkey and dressing, as well as Mama's. There were times we spent Thanksgiving at home, still, the same crowd, different location or at Grandma Bullard's house in White Springs. Still, bigger crowds, lots of food.
One of the things I love about holidays such as Thanksgiving is how they tend to bring families together, both physically and emotionally. In this highly technological age, it seems as if we're more connected digitally than emotionally. Some people try to connect with others by using emoji characters when texting on their smartphones, but this seems rather superficial and minimizes the art of storytelling.
Storytelling was a huge part of our family gatherings. Many of the stories we heard many times, but we never tired of them. Stories about family, friends, local happenings. I was, indeed, blessed to come from a family of storytellers.
Hunting was a huge part of the holiday, too. If we were in Hamilton County, the day began with Daddy, Uncle Warren and an entire hunting party deer hunting until it was time to eat Thanksgiving dinner, that's lunch to you city folk and trust me, it was a feast. If we were in Suwannee County, there was frequently a time when Daddy and his good friend, Mama's cousin, the late Gene Turman would quail or dove hunt together in the afternoon. It was a part of our lives, so was eating venison and quail.
In the deep south, humanity, regardless of race, ethnicity or anything, puts their heart, soul and love into dishes that are served to their family. I can close my eyes and transport myself to my Grandma Bullard's home on Mill Street in White Springs, the fragrance of baking biscuits mixed with citrus fruit. Grandma had six sisters, the Joyner sisters, living in addition to her, and, oh, the fun they had, and the stories they could tell.
It is rather mysterious what brings memories back to us. I can hear voices too, eating the collard or mustard greens cooked by a member of the family and having someone say: "She put her foot in those greens," meaning they were "REALLY GOOD," seasoned just right.
My Papa and Grandma Taylor's home in Suwannee County was always filled with magnificent fragrances wafting from her cozy kitchen. She made the most wonderful holiday breads, coconut pies, fruitcake, and I could go on. She was a great cook, and she was, without a doubt, one the most patient and loving human beings I have ever known. I asked several of my readers about Thanksgiving memories. I was so pleased to read a litany of thanks in their responses, and not one had a thing to do with commercialism or "what to purchase" which is the main reason Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It's about family togetherness, sharing the bounty of good food, stories, laughter, naps, watching football and most years, watching the Macy's Day Parade.
It's about Mama's turkey platter and deviled egg and relish trays. It's about gathering fall leaves with my niece Laura Leigh and placing them in crockery vases around the house.
Here are some memories shared with me:
"Reminiscing about watching the wonderful women in my family prepare a Thanksgiving meal for their family and friends. I come from a long line of wonderful cooks and hostesses. I only hope that I have been half the cook and hostess that they were. I have pretty big shoes to fill. Thankful for memories of Thanksgivings past that will last my lifetime."
"I'm especially thankful that this year we will be with all our children/grandchildren for the first time since last Christmas (due to COVID). This year has really made me yearn for and cherish family time. I'm also thankful the younger crew loves cooking the traditional meal, although they still "let me" do dressing, pumpkin and pecan pie. My oldest daughter and family drive up from Winter Garden, and we drive down to my daughter's in Gainesville, meeting "in the middle." She always has her home decorated beautifully, and our youngest granddaughter adds her personal touch of hand-drawn turkey place cards at each setting. Family Thanksgiving...the best!"
"I am thankful for my family, and I love my sweet potato soufflé ...my favorite of all and a piece of baked ham! Not a big fan of turkey unless it's whole fried! My mother's dressing!"
"My favorite memories center on our family gatherings. Also, the Thanksgiving programs at South Hamilton Elementary, White Springs, Fla., and always making crafts to take home before the Thanksgiving break."
"Squash casserole. I love it so much. Could be my dessert."
"My favorite memory is that every year the "children" (regardless of how old they are) request and expect the same menu! We don't dare vary it or add anything new! Of course, no one minds. It reminds us all of our parents and grandparents."
I didn't have enough space to put all the posts in this article. Suffice to express, each one carried with it warmth, memories and good feelings.
Thanksgiving is a quintessentially American holiday. It's "ours," and we didn't borrow it from anyone. I do pray our nation will remain thankful, hopeful and more agreeable. We will get through these trying times together, and I want to emphasize "together."
I learned this Psalm a hundred years ago in Vacation Bible School:
Psalm 100:1-5
A Psalm of praise. 1 Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all ye lands. 2 Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing. 3 Know ye that the LORD He is God: it is He that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanksgiving, and into His courts with praise: be thankful unto Him, and bless His name. 5 For the LORD is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations.
From the Eight Mile Still on the Woodpecker Route north of White Springs. Wishing you and your family a safe, happy and blessed Thanksgiving!!!