Being close to loved ones: the best reason for giving thanks

The fourth Thursday of every November marks one of the most important dates in the US calendar for many people: Thanksgiving.

The tradition of celebrating and giving thanks for the bounty of harvest started in 1621. Three days of feasting took place in Plymouth (now in Massachusetts), shared by the early settlers and their neighbours, the Wampanoag Native People. President George Washington formalised it as a national day of Thanksgiving in 1789.

While it’s probable that venison, duck, goose, fish and porridge made from corn were on the menu in 1621, Thanksgiving these days is a wonderful excuse for family and friends to get together over roast turkey with all the trimmings.

Given that November also begins with World Vegan Day, we thought maybe a few suggestions might be in order, gathered from https://www.loveandlemons.com/vegan-thanksgiving-recipes/. Pumpkin, pecans, sweet potatoes, garlic, mushrooms, cranberries…there’s certainly no short-changing in any taste! In fact, these recipes are worth checking out even if there’s no way you’re doing without turkey as the main event.

With your friends and family around you, we hope you have a truly wonderful Thanksgiving this year. When so many dark and difficult things are happening around the world, just to be close to loved ones is ample reason for gratitude.