Akira Kopec takes us on a journey through a Thanksgiving week filled with traditions, music, and the beauty of shared moments.

Discover the Magic of a Slower Thanksgiving

Gram's Ukrainian Family Recipe: Piggies

This Thanksgiving became a multi-day celebration for Akira and his family. It all began on Wednesday when Akira traveled to his Gram's home. There, he learned a generations-old Ukrainian family recipe for Halupki, affectionately called "piggies." Traditionally not a Thanksgiving food, but upon a friend's wish for them at her future wedding, Akira asked his Gram to teach him. The process of stuffing the cabbage leaves was tedious, with each leaf requiring careful attention - first with a ground turkey mixture and then with ground beef. Akira playfully remarks that if his friend wants these for her wedding, she should keep the guest list small.The time between assembling the turkey and beef piggies was filled with a break for lunch and listening to his cousin Placido practice Christmas songs on the piano. Even at a young age, Placido played with the swiftness and confidence of a seasoned performer. The conclusion of "Silent Night" was quickly followed by the opening notes of "Beauty and the Beast" from Akira's favorite Disney film, causing him to lose control of his emotions and shed a few tears.

Preparing Thanksgiving Dinner - Part Two

Later in the week, Akira went to his cousins' home to help prepare Thanksgiving dinner. The dinner wasn't until 5 that night, but they started the preparations in the late morning hours, which turned out to be a great decision. After the morning's work, Akira went on a cousin-led tour of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. They made stops at a coffee shop with a large glass window offering a view of the Christmas-lit town, an old-fashioned candy store where a cardboard box could be filled with various candies, a locally owned bookshop with the smell of old paper and vanilla, and a record store with jazz-infused background music and vintage albums. During the tour, Akira learned about his cousin Bella's obsession with pickles and his 13-year-old cousin's fascination with Anne Boleyn.After the tour, they returned to a home filled with laughter and warmth. The counters, which were empty earlier, were now filled with dozens of gluten-free dishes made by family members. This change was due to Akira's aunt's diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Instead of seeing it as a burden, the family saw it as an opportunity to create something novel and delicious. As they sat down to listen to his uncle say grace, Akira realized that this day was about the shared experiences that brought them closer.

The Importance of Slowing Down

Akira reflects on how the beautiful moments of the week were a result of privilege in his life. In the past, holidays were often rushed due to the stress of preparation. But this past week taught him the importance of slowing down when given the chance. Food, in both its preparation and consumption, invites us to pause and be mindful. Whether it's the methodical rhythm of stuffing cabbage leaves or sitting around a table with family, these moments truly nourish our hearts and bodies.Akira Kopec is a junior majoring in integrative neuroscience. The opinions expressed in the article represent his personal views.