My Big Fat Italian Thanksgiving

Every year, a typical American family celebrates a little thing called “Thanksgiving,” with their common types of traditions and food. Some common facts about its history can be traced back to the Pilgrims, who descended from England during the 1620’s when they brought their previous tradition of “Days of Fasting” and “Days of Thanksgiving” with them to New England. Thus, one of our favorite holidays, prompted by a good harvest, was officially crafted into existence. 

Thanksgiving has become a celebration of these traditional foods and are still enjoyed by families each and every year. The only question is, does everyone’s Thanksgiving feast include these dishes, or is there room on the table for traditional foods from other cultures?

Every family has traditions which define their holidays. Surely for me, I have experienced these holiday festivities with a large, Italian family around a crowded table. It was not until I finally graduated from the kiddie table to the adult did I really feel as if I was a part of the action. I was taught how, as an Italian, it would be an insult towards the host to appear at the dinner table without an appetite. 

Having immigrated to this country in the late 60’s, my grandparents brought their own traditions with them. They were proud to be American citizens, ready to embrace Thanksgiving  with an Italian twist. Over the years, I have grown to enjoy my Italian customs, and I can never imagine a holiday without them. The following recount is about my unique family’s big fat Italian-style Thanksgiving prepared by none other than my Nonna.

Thanksgiving Day

It was a lovely, brisk Thanksgiving morning. The trees are adorned with different shades of red, brown, and yellow. I prepare to assure them we are on time for our beloved Thanksgiving celebration. We headed towards our dear Nonna's house, which is situated in a small, charming town called Watchung, where the sprawling hills and windy roads can resemble a postcard. Her house is right by a glistening lake surrounded by towering trees and flocks of geese. 

We arrive at my Nonna’s unique house only to be decorated with statues and fountains imported from Italy. As we enter the house I see my Nonna hard at work as always. I say, “Ciao Nonna,” giving her a hug and a kiss. The scent of delicious tomato sauce and her famous meatballs from a bubbling pot permeates the entire house. An aroma of fresh herbs surrounds her kitchen, spotting Nonna’s baked lasagna handed down for generation after generation. 

Coming from a large Italian family, it never is a surprise to see approximately twenty to twenty-five members at Nonna’s table.

The Feast

A typical Thanksgiving feast is comprised of the traditional dishes of corn bread, sweet potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce and of course, the juicy, plump turkey. This does not apply to my family. Instead, there is a five course dinner awaiting us. We begin with the various appetizers, a salad, lasagna, and prime rib, but we’re saving room for the main course. When entering the dining area, my Nonna never forgets to decorate the table with fresh mozzarella, peppers, sliced prosciutto, and– of course– fresh baked bread. 

I descend upon my seat of choice, wondering if I will witness the turkey. A typical Thanksgiving tradition is the meal itself and generally starts off with a nice prayer before the food is consumed. 

My family, on the other hand, does not hesitate, especially Grandpa, who believes it to be his last meal! My Uncle Anthony is usually the first to kick off the festivities, smiling as he says with a hearty appetite, “Mamma Mia Che Buono!” grabbing every plate on site. Then, Nonna passes around the lasagna. “Tommy Mio please, mangia some of my delicious lasagna,” my Nonna pleads with a loving smile. I reply, “No Nonna, I would like to wait for the Thanksgiving turkey just like the Pilgrims.” 

Finally, at last, the turkey was served. Funny, there was something that resembled turkey, but the star of the show it was not.

The TV

Families everywhere gander at the New York City Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, consisting of marching bands, performances from Broadway musicals, and who could deny the giant helium-filled balloons! They, as well, enjoy the football games, perhaps may kill to play one outside! However, my Italian family clears the table, and each of them practice a game of cards. If we happen to feel adventurous, then it may involve dollar pots.

After the Meal

With supper devoured, and the dishes washed, now it is time to relax. Some families go on bike rides, take walks, play cards or even play board games, but most of mine will be seen fast asleep on the couch. Either way, it is a day filled with great food and family!

The Twist

It was not until years after spending our Thanksgivings at Nonna’s that I discovered a truth hood of well-interest. During the COVID years, we passed on the great dinner at Nonna’s and resorted to a small get-together with neighbors. To my surprise, my neighbor’s turkey tasted nothing compared to Nonna’s. In fact, the turkey appeared quite different, too.

Mother turns towards me and laughs, “Honey, that wasn’t turkey that we had at Nonna’s; we were eating her famous roasted chicken all those years!” She explains how in Italy, there are in fact, zero turkeys. Besides, my Nonna was never taught how to prepare a turkey, so she prepped us chicken! I was dumbfounded and was not so sure on whether to laugh or cry. 

All those years, I was eating chicken instead of turkey. I supposed it was not the same Thanksgiving other families may have, but great grub it was– a loving family and a potpourri of laughs. For this, truly, I am thankful.