Turkey Day by Mia Lowry

I remember asking my Mom regarding how our family came to celebrate Thanksgiving. She told me how their first American friend, Mary, told her about Turkey Day. (Please note: Mary did not speak Spanish and my Mom did not know English at the time. Dad just knew enough to work.)

My Mom wondered why they would celebrate a turkey in America. She said she just impulsively decided to cook a turkey (she had never done it before) and have us celebrate this American holiday. As I write this I wonder if Mom whether consciously or sub-consciously wanted us to assimilate into American culture. At any rate, we ate turkey and it was years before she finally learned the story of why Americans celebrate 'Turkey Day'. She found out it was not about the Turkey, but about giving thanks. She said she was happy she decided to celebrate such a nice holiday.