Gathering Close: Thanksgiving Memories & Traditions That Stay With Us

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I always feel that familiar warmth — not just from the oven running all day, but from the feeling of being surrounded. Surrounded by family, laughter, kitchens full of movement, and stories that somehow get funnier every year. For me, the holiday has never been just about the food (though the food is a pretty big part!). It’s truly about being together — because those are the moments that stay with us.

But of course… every family has their classics.
In our home, we have dishes that are just non-negotiable, passed down and perfected over the years.

Like my Maple Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake — and yes, let’s be clear — I use real pumpkin, the one I bake myself, not the canned stuff. That alone is its own labor of love. Then there’s my husband’s famous Jack Daniels Pecan Pie — the kind of dessert that gets talked about long after the plates are cleaned. Add the mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, turkey and ham (because why choose?), and we’ve basically created the happiest table imaginable.

But I’ll be honest — one of my favorite parts comes after Thanksgiving Day:
The leftovers.
Because that’s when I make my Turkey Pot Pie. The crust? Always from scratch. No frozen shortcuts. No cans. Just real food, real work, and real love.

And that’s something my family started early on — making everything with intention, care, and time. Now, our kids carry these traditions with them — even when they can’t be in the same city with us. They’re creating their own homes, their own tables, their own memories… and nothing brings me more joy than seeing our grandchildren now being part of this beautiful circle.

Because that’s really what Thanksgiving is about — continuing the story.
Passing down love in the form of a recipe.
Sharing laughter around a table we’ve gathered around a thousand times.
Watching the next generation learn what family feels like.

So I want to ask you…

What is a Thanksgiving memory or tradition that has stayed with you?
Is it a recipe your grandmother made?
A movie your family watches every year?
Or maybe just the simple joy of being together?

I would love for you to share — because the best part of this season is connecting.

Let’s fill this space with your stories.
Your memories.
Your traditions. ❤️