As it grew closer to mealtime, my older grandparents moved to sit at the table by the kitchen so that they could be part of the conversation. For other, larger holidays, the two sides of the family are so busy with their own celebrations that they never have time to meet up, but, as my grandpa said, “Well, this is a good time to chat a bit,” meaning that since Thanksgiving is right at the end of the farming season, the two sides of the family actually have time to get together.

“Thanksgiving and Kinship.” Interview by Calvin Jones. November 28, 2017