the journey to hiraeth

Growing up, Thanksgiving always felt magical. My childhood home was the epicenter of the holiday—overflowing with family, laughter, and the irresistible smell of my mom and grandma’s cooking. They worked together like a well-rehearsed orchestra, creating a feast that seemed to appear effortlessly. Even as an adult, my mom’s house remains the heart of our Thanksgiving gatherings, a place where I’ve always been a guest and never a cook.

But this year feels different.

As a new mom of two sweet boys under two, I’m beginning to see the holidays in a new light. While it’s easy to lean on the comfort of my mom’s traditions, there’s a little voice in me saying, “Isn’t it time to start your own?”

I’ve never cooked a Thanksgiving dish in my life—not even one!—but I’m feeling inspired to try. Maybe it’s the idea of my boys growing up with their own family traditions, ones they’ll carry into adulthood. Or maybe it’s the realization that the baton will eventually pass to me, and I want to be ready when it does.

So, this Thanksgiving, I want to dip my toes into hosting. Not a whole feast—baby steps—but maybe a dish or two to contribute to the family table. It feels daunting but exciting.

I’d love to hear from you:

• When did you start hosting or contributing to Thanksgiving meals?

• What was the first recipe you made, and how did it turn out?

• What are some of your favorite Thanksgiving traditions, whether old or new?For me, I’d love to recreate that sense of togetherness I grew up with—our home filled with love, laughter, and, of course, amazing food. My boys are too little to remember much of this year, but I know they’ll feel the warmth of family and the beginnings of a tradition just for us.

Share your stories, recipes, and advice below! Let’s inspire each other to make this season extra special.