"Traditions matter. They make the heart happy. Like my heart, for every 36 years of my life that I’ve woken up near 5 a.m. to stuff the giant turkey bird with my mama and get in the oven in time for Thanksgiving day dinner. Like my mom’s heart, for the last 11 years, when one, two, three, or all six of her grandchildren rise with roosters to sew up, baste, and bake their friend, Tom. Like bacon, cinnamon rolls, lox, and bloody Mary’s for T-day morning breakfast. Like the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade. Like football. Like football while you drink a beer. Like football while you drink a beer AND stuff your face full of food that tastes delicious because it tastes like love. Like making a second plate. Even though you don’t have a second stomach. Like dessert overtaking the table and there being enough to feed the whole neighborhood. Like you saying, 'I’ll just have one small slice,' but ending up having three (and another one before bed). Like wine. Lots of wine. But no buzz ...