A Chinese-Cuban-American Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a time to share with family, reflect on what you’re thankful for and eat delicious food. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated in 1621 by the Pilgrims when they had a successful fall harvest after a hard first year in the New World. By working together with their one time enemies, the Native Americans, the Pilgrims had enough corn, fruit, vegetables and meat to survive the winter, built sturdy homes and lived in peace. Based on Harvest Festivals from England, this celebration included both groups sharing food together. Today this tradition continues of good food and sharing time with families and friends.

Since 1621 many other groups from different countries have come to America and have adopted this tradition. And like those original Pilgrims, they bring their own traditions to the table as well.

In our family, Thanksgiving is an event. With about 50 guests this year, our food is both plentiful and diverse. Starting about 10 years ago, my mom began inviting some of our Chinese born relatives to Thanksgiving dinner. They had never been before but embraced the tradition. We would make the traditional Thanksgiving food, which many of our family members had never eaten before, while they provided the Chinese food. And my grandmother and great-uncle would include Cuban dishes as well - just to make sure everyone’s favorites are represented.

This year, we only had one Turkey (down from 3 last year) but supplemented that with a ham and a pork roast. We had the traditional sides - mashed potatoes, stuffing, green bean casserole, corn and cornbread. We also had Chinese vegetables, Chinese chicken wings, lo mein, fried wontons and spring rolls. On the Cuban side, we had yellow rice, black beans and tostones. We had both baked potatoes and Spanish yams. Our dinner table is a smorgasbord that represents my family. A mix that seems overwhelming and at odds with each other at first, but finds a way to complement each other. And I am thankful for every one of them.

Every culture and family seems to have their own unique Thanksgiving tradition or food. What unique foods makes it to your Thanksgiving table every year?

Welcome!

When I was in 7th grade, we were tasked with writing a biography about a member of our family. I wrote about my mom. I remember afterwards my teacher pulled me aside and told me, it was one of the most interesting stories he had ever read. Years later, as I move into my 30s and looking for something to inspire me, I decided it was time to revisit this and research and write about my family and where they come from. I decided to write a book based on my family's journey from China to Cuba and to the United States.

I'm still in the early researching stage, but I'm feeling an itch to write and based on all the tips I've read about getting started, they all say to write every day. So I've decided to write my first blog ever and share my process, as I uncover the stories and reflect back on growing up in a house that celebrated both 3 Kings Day & Chinese New Year, where we spoke our own language - a mix of Chinese, Spanish & English and enjoyed fusion Cuban-Chinese food, before fusion was even popular.

Welcome to my journey. May it inspire you the way my family's stories have inspired me.