Editor’s Note: Starting New Traditions This Thanksgiving

As a recently added feature to our monthly newsletters I, your friendly editor, have started contributing my own segments that expand upon the theme of the month. For November’s (Thanksgiving-themed) newsletter, which you can sign up for here, I wanted to talk a little bit about my decision to start some new traditions this Thanksgiving. In more recent years, the holiday season has become a little difficult for my family to get through. We’ve really felt the loss of pivotal family members, who were like the strong roots to our large expansive family tree.

So, when I reflected more on the very quickly approaching holidays, I knew I wanted to try something a little different this year by starting some new family traditions. I set out to recenter our holidays around making new memories together, while still paying homage to those that we’ve lost. I know they would have loved these new traditions, too. So, without further ado, here is how I plan to spend this upcoming Thanksgiving:

Starting New Traditions This Thanksgiving

As a child, Thanksgiving was always one of my favorite holidays. I loved visiting my grandparents, playing games with my cousins, and enjoying all the delicious homemade food. As time went on though, Thanksgiving became more of a bittersweet event. We strongly felt the absences left by family members who passed. And when I lost a very treasured family member, during the holiday season no less, this time of the year became a bit more bitter than sweet. 

But, with all that, comes the need to create new memories and new traditions. This year I plan on spending my Thanksgiving day with my most loved ones and making some new memories centered around:

Watching the BEST Thanksgiving movie ever: I think anyone who has seen the movie Planes, Trains and Automobiles would agree that it is the best Thanksgiving movie ever made. The perfect combination of the comedic legends John Candy and Steve Martin created one of the funniest holiday movies I’ve ever seen. This movie is truly timeless and I would recommend it to anyone.

– Making my favorite Thanksgiving side dish: Thanksgiving spoils us by giving us some of our favorite dishes all at once. Mashed potatoes, perfectly cooked turkey, and if I was lucky enough, my grandmother’s homemade tamales. But, one of my favorite side dishes of all time is a simple creamed spinach recipe. Rich, delicious, AND healthy! What’s not to like?

– Playing our favorite board games: This year, it’s time to break out the Scrabble, UNO, and Trivial Pursuit! These are games that I love to play with my family, but it’s been years since we’ve moved them from the closet. We’re going to clear the dust, adorn our dining room table with their boards, and play until we get bored (excuse the pun).

What are your family traditions? And are there any new traditions that you’re planning on starting this year? 

– Your Friendly Editor

If you want to see our latest newsletter, which is going to be sent out very soon, then you can sign up at this link. Or, if you prefer, we always release our monthly newsletters right here, on our blog, a few days after they’re sent out to our subscribers. Whichever way that you decide to enjoy our latest newsletter, we hope you enjoy our Thanksgiving-themed segments, including a recipe and a fun coloring page for the kids, as well as important buyer and homeowner tips!

About Gerardo Zavala, Realtor

Gerardo Zavala, Realtor

There is a true passion for connecting people with real estate that makes me fall in love with my career over and over again. While my title says, REALTOR® I think I am much more than that. For example, I am present and actively listening to my client’s needs, on the spot when things are urgent, and by your side to say “congratulations.” Most of my clients will say that I am a connection away from support no matter the situation, day, or time. In my opinion, customer service, educating the client on progress and next steps, and overall satisfaction are my top priorities. How can I help you?