I remember as a college student in Canada, November marked a busy period for us with assignments, essays and final exams. There was a young man in my journalism class named Chris, who was Canadian by nationality but grew up in the United States. Each year, Chris would ask our professors for permission to submit his work early, so he could go home for Thanksgiving. This seemed a bit odd to them because Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October, and while it’s a national holiday, it’s not a big deal. Some of us Canadians celebrate on Sunday and relax on Monday. As a result, our professors wouldn’t allow Chris to leave early, but that didn’t deter him. I found it mind boggling he’d risk failing a course to go home. But after living in the U.S. for 17 years and as a naturalized American myself, I now understand his determination.
Thanksgiving is one of our most cherished and heartwarming holidays. Many of our families and friends come together around a table full of delicious and delectable delights. It’s fitting that our November issue’s themes are food and entertainment. I try to switch up my Thanksgiving menu every year. The first few years, I made a traditional turkey, but then my husband’s aunt introduced me to the concept of making a deep-fried turkey alongside the usual oven-roasted bird. In 2015, my best friend visited to help me make the ultimate of Thanksgiving recipes: the turducken. You’ll find our recipe among other holiday favorites from our columnists and board members in our Recipes to be Thankful For story. Looking for an alternative to a classic roasted turkey? Chef Daniel Green shares his Red Thai Curry recipe along with his passion for giving back.
And if you’re like me and sometimes struggle with how to decorate your holiday table, Heather Fox of Foxwell delves into how to entertain with style, offering tips on how to create a tablescape that can captivate your guests and fosters an unforgettable experience. There’s even a simple way to transition it from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
I wish you all a joyous and fulfilling November, full of food, ambiance, laughter and shared moments that transform a meal into a cherished memory.
Consider taking a moment of silence on November 11 for Veterans Day/Remembrance Day/Armistice Day. I, for one, will remember my grandfather, who fought in World War II for the British Royal Navy.
-Feroza Mehta
