Friendsgiving 2019

The older I get, the more I strive to forge my own traditions.

Little things like how when we go to “our” diner, we always sit at the bar with our knees touching or how weekend mornings are reserved for Family Cuddle Time in which Indiana leaps into bed with us and shimmies his way into the crook of John’s arm.

Jumping on our bed is nothing special for Indiana; he literally spends hours lounging there every day but on the weekends, there’s a little more love, a little more light and a lot more paws jabbing into kidneys.

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday so it makes sense that Friendsgiving is one of my favorite traditions.

Like all good traditions, I don’t remember when it started, where we met - a restaurant, maybe - or what we ate but it has since evolved into a potluck with an overabundance of really great food. We have the classics - turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes but there are always a few surprises.

Last year, I made Indian macaroni and cheese with masala-caramelized onions, ginger and green chili and this year, Billy brought roasted potatoes (sweet, Japanese and purple) tossed with chipotle walnuts.

It’s fun having a chef for a friend.

This year’s theme was home - returning home, moving to a new place that felt like home and moving to a new house and making it feel like home.

Friendsgiving is the perfect time to celebrate the concept of home because no matter where we are or who we’re with, we all feel like we belong.

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone's house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart.”

Cesar Chavez

So, from our friendsgiving family to yours - may your mashed potatoes be abundantly buttery, may your breath catch just a little when you realize just how loved you are and may you be as happy as we all are in this moment.