Thanksgiving at a young age for me was all about the Macy’s parade. I grew up in NYC so I waited in heavy anticipation a few days before for the balloons and performances. That was what Thanksgiving meant to me.

Stuffing. Sweet Potatoes topped with Marshmallows. Green Bean Casserole. Cranberry Sauce. Pumpkin Pie. And of course Turkey. Did you think of Thanksgiving food as you went through these dishes? That is not surprising as these are the foods we have closely associated with the holiday of thanks that comes around on the last Thursday of November.

The food never held much importance in my mind. Additionally my dad is not from the US. He grew up in England and therefore Thanksgiving does not have much significance in his life. I have vague memories of having big dinners for Thanksgiving as those were more common on Christmas. I am not knocking the “traditional Thanksgiving dinner” but it is not mine. In more recent years, we have gone out to a restaurant for dinner and in that situation I have the freedom to eat what I want. I have ordered steak on more than one occasion and that has become tradition.

I will be bold: I DO NOT like traditional Thanksgiving foods.

Let me explain myself.

Brace yourself.

It's all pretty bland in my opinion.

I've always felt like there was a lack of flavor in turkey. Stuffing as well. Cranberry sauce was always too tart. The sweet potatoes were too much. The green bean casserole never tasted just right and I hate anything with pumpkin in it. Pumpkin Pie, Pumpkin Spice Latte, you name it.

You are probably yelling at the screen by this point and I'm sorry. It's just not my cup of tea.

I have found myself in conversation with people who like to list off their favorite Thanksgiving foods. By the time it circles around me, I speak up and say, "I don't like Thanksgiving food." I am suddenly facing shocked expressions and confused faces.

And it's perfectly okay. You don’t always have to go along with tradition.I have many friends with family from outside of the US and they describe Thanksgiving dinners with their own twists. Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and be thankful for what you have, the people who love you and look towards the future. As a college student, I am very thankful for this time as it is a chance to spend time with my family as I have not seen them since September. So whatever you eat on Thursday, enjoy it.