By Haley Mitchell Godwin

The scent of roasted turkey will soon waft through Crenshaw County kitchens and freshly baked pecan pies will cool on countertops as families prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving — a time-honored tradition that embraces gratitude, love and connection. This holiday is about more than the feast; it’s a celebration of cherished memories, family stories and the traditions that bring us together.

The Luverne Journal invites readers to share what makes their Thanksgiving meaningful. Whether it’s a unique family tradition, a special recipe or a treasured memory, we want to hear your stories! 

Visit www.luvernejournal.com/contests to share. Submissions may be featured in our upcoming Thanksgiving edition.

For many, Thanksgiving serves as a magnet, drawing loved ones back home to create a mosaic of joy, nostalgia and reunion. It’s a time when families share laughs, swap stories, and savor favorite dishes, from cornbread dressing to unconventional lasagna dinners. Gratitude takes center stage as loved ones gather around the table to express thanks for life’s blessings, transforming simple words into a symphony of appreciation.

The holiday also offers a bittersweet opportunity to reflect on those who are no longer with us. By sharing memories and reviving old traditions, families can ensure that the legacies of departed loved ones live on, weaving their influence into the fabric of future gatherings.

Here are some treasured Thanksgiving memories shared by The Luverne Journal staff:

Lanell Downs Smith: “Thanksgiving always included Mama’s homemade cornbread dressing. I learned to make it just as she did, without measuring cups, by adding each ingredient until it seemed right. I taught my daughter Angie to make dressing the same way, and hers is the best version yet!”

David Lovell: “The day after Thanksgiving was always special for my family. We’d gather with my paternal grandparents for lasagna. It’s a cherished tradition that adds a unique twist to our holiday.”

Haley Mitchell Godwin: “Thanksgiving reminds me of my big Salter family — the laughter, antics, and love. One year, a cousin changed our Maw Maw’s answering machine to say, ‘This is Maw Maw. I’m in the bathtub washing the turkey because it was too big for the sink. Leave a message, and if you’re bringing food, I don’t think we need any more turkey.’ That hilarious granny voice is unforgettable!”

What are you most thankful for this year? Share your stories and join us in celebrating the spirit of Thanksgiving — a time to honor the past, embrace the present, and look forward to the traditions yet to come.