This Thanksgiving was full of old and new traditions! Thanksgiving has always been a big weekend for my extended family and I, mostly because of two things: the soccer tournament and the thankful list. We also started some new traditions in our new house on the island as well.

Every Thanksgiving and Easter, my cousins, siblings, and I play an intense soccer tournament. Since this tradition started about 5 years ago, we have the same teams, same backyard, and same pumpkin pie after as a reward every single year. About 5 years ago, during Thanksgiving dinner, we planned the most intense soccer tournament and partnered each other up based on skill level and balance. Then, my cousins made a elaborate plan on which team would play which at which time, and the rest is history. I love the soccer games for many reasons, but mostly because it is something that brings all my family together. We all live in different areas of B.C, studying different degrees, starting our own lives. However, we still come together to play the soccer tournament like we have for years, every single year.

Secondly, the thanksgiving list. My Oma has been getting us to this tradition since we could talk. A classic Thanksgiving tactic, we all go around the table and state one thing we are thankful for. It always turns into all of us laughing at each other and reminiscing on past Thanksgivings together. My Oma hates that we all take it not very seriously, and every year complains, so we start again. After we all say something serious, my Oma and Opa talk about how thankful they are for us. It’s so sweet every single year, and makes my aunts cry. It reminds my cousins and I how blessed we are to be raised in such a connected family. Personally, I think we have some of the most amazing people in the world right inside my family.

After heading home from the mainland, my roommates and I hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for our close friends. We moved in this past September, so it was one of the first holidays in our new place. Creating this new tradition was so much fun, and made me so thankful for our friends and life we’ve created on the island. We played made dinner, played cards, and were able to enjoy each other company.

Overall, my weekend was full of reminiscing about how amazing it is to be blessed to gather as a family. They made me who I am and are so my biggest supporters!