Thanksgiving, a cherished holiday uniting families and friends in the warm embrace of gratitude, is tinged with a bittersweet essence this year.

Amidst the echoes of shared meals and laughter, a poignant ache permeates the atmosphere, serving as a stark reminder of life’s unforeseen twists and turns. As I confront my adorned dinner table, the obvious absence of the person I had envisioned spending the rest of my life with is undeniably humbling.The celebration becomes a poignant reflection on the profound interplay between love and loss. But, with time, I’ve gradually come to term with the realization that it’s not the end of my world. In this unexpected journey that has transformed into a living experience, I am navigating the facade of acceptance and peace. The process involves embracing the flux of life and finding solace in the ongoing evolution of my own narrative.

But amid the nerves and the nuances of this Thanksgiving, a silver lining evokes the creation of new traditions for me. Creating a new set of traditions on Thanksgiving and the upcoming end-of-the-year festivities is a powerful way to not only accept my new reality but also embark on a self-discovery journey. It’s also an empowering opportunity to make a place for other pleasant memories rather than dwelling on what’s no longer part of my life. To kick start my new tradition, these are the ways that I am planning to spend Thanksgiving.

1. Cook my favorite Haitian dish, Griot ak Bannan peze (Fried pork belly with fried plantains) with plenty of vegetables, because balance baby!

2. Sharpen my skills in the perfection of the best Mac and Cheese.

3. Play the iconic Christmas songs that once serenaded me back in Haiti.

4. Pretend to be Carrie Bradshaw and work on drafting my next blog post.

5. Finally, put on some feel-good Christmas movies from Hallmark on TV.

Ultimately, I believe these new traditions will be a testament to comfort and joy in the years to come. Wishing you all a Thanksgiving filled with so much love and warmth.