As Thanksgiving approaches, families across the country are getting ready to gather for their big meals, each celebrating their own special traditions. In a small town in New Jersey, the Carter family is looking forward to more than just the holiday—they’re excited to honor their diverse cultural heritage with food passed down through generations. With family members from Italian, Irish, and Brazilian backgrounds, each dish tells a story of where they’ve come from and the traditions that make their family unique.
Thanksgiving is a time for reflection and thankfulness, but it’s also a chance for families to showcase their cultural customs through food. A recent survey by the American Farm Bureau Federation showed that the cost of a Thanksgiving meal for 10 people has gone up by 14% this year, but for families like the Carters, it’s not just about the money—it’s about being together and sharing the meaning behind the meal. “Every dish has a story,” says Linda Carter, the family matriarch. “It’s about honoring where we come from while making new memories together.” For the Carters, Thanksgiving is about more than just the food; it’s about celebrating the history of their family and the different traditions that make the holiday so special.
For the Carter family, Thanksgiving is a mix of old and new. Linda’s mom, who came from Italy, always made a big lasagna, and that has become a must-have dish at their holiday table. Her dad, who was Irish, would always prepare colcannon, a mashed potato dish with cabbage and green onions. And from Linda’s late husband, Paulo, who was Brazilian, the family enjoys feijoada, a black bean stew with pork that has become another beloved tradition. Each dish represents a part of their history and adds something different to the meal. This year, Linda’s granddaughter, Sofia, is excited to learn how to make the feijoada, just like her grandfather used to do. “I want to make it just like Grandpa did,” Sofia says, eager to carry on the tradition. For Linda, seeing the younger generation keep these traditions alive makes the holiday even more meaningful.
As the day goes on and the house fills with the sounds of family catching up and laughing, the Carters reflect on what makes Thanksgiving special for them. It’s about the food, of course, but it’s also about the love and connection that comes from being together. “We’re all different, but we come together to make something beautiful,” Linda says. For the Carters, Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food they eat—it’s about the family they’ve built and the traditions they continue to pass down. It’s a reminder that no matter where you come from, what matters most is the love and support you share with the people around you.
As the meal begins, the Carters gather around the table, each person taking a moment to appreciate the spread of food in front of them. The lasagna, colcannon, and feijoada all sit side by side, symbols of their unique family history. But it’s not just the food that brings them together—it’s the memories of past Thanksgivings, the laughter of generations, and the stories that fill the room. Linda looks around the table, feeling proud of how her family has grown and how they’ve held onto their roots. “These traditions are what keep us connected,” she says, smiling at her children and grandchildren. As the evening continues, the Carters share their thanks for each other, knowing that it’s the love they have for one another that truly makes this holiday unforgettable. No matter where life takes them, Thanksgiving will always be a time to come together, celebrate their heritage, and create new memories to carry forward.
