I would have to say, hands down, the Thanksgiving meal. I have not taken jobs because they couldn't assure me I wouldn't get Thanksgiving day off. And anytime I've worked somewhere, I always tell them Thanksgiving is the "only" holiday I value and need off. It is to me, a pure holiday of no hype and centered around togetherness. And it's not so much the food as it is helping prepare it and coming together to gather with family and friends sharing the meal with one another.
But with that said, I have to say a lot of my fond memories ( besides Thanksgiving) that stand out in my mind are gatherings where friends come together to share food and friendship. I just think there is something about food that connects people and offers comforter and nourishment to all those who come. Maybe that's why I enjoy preparing food for my family and friends. It connects me with happiness, joy, conversation, health, nourishment, caring, so many of the things I value in my life.
