By Kylla Benes
This year, I sat down with the America Matters team to find out their favorite Thanksgiving foods and traditions. While Americans may have vastly different holiday traditions, it seems we all agree that food and loved ones make for the very best celebration.
Samantha Nerove, Founder and CEO
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Sweet potatoes with marshmallow topping!
What are you thankful for this year?
I’m grateful for our American Matters audience for supporting our work on the issues that matter to all of us.
JP Zarruk, Chief Content Officer
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish/food?
My favorite dish is the actual turkey.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
My favorite tradition is meeting with family and playing board games leading up to the actual lunch gathering.
What are you thankful for this year?
I’m most grateful for my health and the joy to have my mother live with me.
James Middlebrook, Director of Millennial Matters
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
My favorite food is mashed potatoes with homemade gravy, because my mom has a unique recipe for her gravy that makes them taste incredible.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
My favorite tradition of Thanksgiving is actually Thanksgiving Eve, my friends from childhood all gather together every year to catch up from the year and reminisce on good times.
What are you thankful for this year?
I am most thankful for my family, good health, and friends that are as close as family. I’m thankful for the good fortune I’ve been given and the opportunity to share my thoughts with the world.
Shireen Qudosi, Director of Muslim Matters
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Cajun turkey with cranberry apple chutney.
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
What I love most about Thanksgiving is that it’s the only day of the year you know is centered fully around unplugging and spending time with your family. The day isn’t just about the meal, but about the ritual of preparing it as well. There’s no other day like it the entire year.
What are you thankful for this year?
I’m thankful for friends and family, for the work we get to do through America Matters, and for the many wonderful kindred spirits I have met through it. On Thanksgiving, they are all in my heart no matter where we might be scattered across the globe.
Kylla Benes, Editor
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Give me lots of stuffing and apple pie, and I am one happy woman!
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Other than serving turkey, my family doesn’t really have any set Thanksgiving traditions. I think this is perfect, as it leaves the day open for whatever fun and celebration may come, and allows us to focus on what matters most, family.
What are you thankful for this year?
I am most thankful to be able to share a bountiful meal with the ones I love.
Darrel Nerove, Chief Information Officer
What is your favorite Thanksgiving dish?
Apple Pie
What is your favorite Thanksgiving tradition?
Giving back to others on or around Thanksgiving
What are you thankful for this year?
My health, my kids, and those that love me.
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From all of us at America Matters, we wish you a happy, joyous, and safe Thanksgiving!
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