My Thanksgiving Birthday

By Abby Searles

Every year, we have Thanksgiving at my Grandparents’ house on my mom’s side. My grandma and grandpa make a mean turkey that tastes delicious; she also makes soft buttered rolls. My mother usually bakes green bean casserole or some other side dish. Nathan, my brother, puts together my favorite dish, mashed potatoes. The rest of the family brings a plate of their own to add to our bountiful dinner. 

My birthday is on November 23rd, and one year we had to celebrate my birthday on Thanksgiving. At this time, I was about four years old and was NOT very fond of the idea. My mom told me I cried that day because I didn’t like the idea that my birthday wasn’t its own special event! Before dinner, my mom set up the Elmo-themed cake (my favorite show was Sesame Street) and everyone gathered to sing me Happy Birthday. Looking back at that moment, I am grateful that I was with my family more than anything. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about!

 I’m pretty sure my favorite present was a Lalaloopsy doll, a Ladybug pillow pet, and a pillow pet dream-lite. I would’ve actually had a Thanksgiving birthday in 2012 if it wasn’t a leap year. Nowadays, I love the idea that some years I get to have a feast on my very special day! Fortunately, next year my 16th birthday will be on Thanksgiving, and I am excited about it! I’m most of all thankful for being surrounded by all of my family, waiting to gather to celebrate and give thanks.  

This is a photo of my grandpa Gary, my sister Hailey, and I about to blow out my crayon-shaped candles on my Elmo cake: