Thanksgiving tradition

When my family and I arrived in this country we had to learn a LOT about tradition. I remember opening the door on our first Halloween and wondering what people wanted. The following year I got the opportunity to experience trick or treating and I remember thinking, "Wow, you just knock on peoples' doors and they GIVE you candy??? America is awesome!!!"

My mom tried her best to make it possible so that we could experience these traditions, Thanksgiving being one of them. She worked at a small mom and pop printing company while my dad stayed in the Philippines to help support us. Only now, can I "really" appreciate all her efforts to take care of four girls, by herself, in a new country. I knew it was hard work but now I have a deeper understanding since I've become a mother.

My mom found out from her co-workers that for Thanksgiving you had to bake a turkey, make stuffing, and have pumpkin pie. Therefore, she went out and bought all the ingredients so that we could celebrate with the rest of America the next day. They left out one little detail, the fact that most people enjoy this meal later in the day or even closer to evening time.

The next morning, our house was filled with the wonderful aroma of a baked turkey with all the trimmings and pumpkin pie. She slaved over the meal since she had arrived from work the prior evening. We woke up to Thanksgiving breakfast and it was absolutely perfect! My sisters and I anxiously set the table so that we could enjoy the fruits her labor. The joy on her face overpowered the exhaustion she must've felt.

Ever since that day, we have continued Thanksgiving breakfast for the past 26 years. My mom felt that it was our own "special" tradition within our family. I remember telling people that we had turkey in the morning and they always looked so surprised. In a way, it did make me feel special because I knew we were celebrating before the rest of the world did.

As my daughter grows up, I hope to teach her our family traditions and hope that she will feel just as special.

This is an original post for LAMomsblog (www.lamomsblog.com/).

When Bernadette isn't eating turkey and stuffing at 9 a.m., she is an actor and stand-up comedian in the Los Angeles area. You can catch her upcoming show listings on her Facebook page. (c) 2009, Bernadette