Last Thursday marked the holiday of 感恩节 (Thanksgiving).  American families at home and abroad sat down to hearty portions of 火鸡 (turkey), 土豆 (potatoes), 小红梅酱 (cranberry sauce), and 南瓜派 (pumpkin pie).  Thanksgiving is a 家庭团聚的节日 (holiday for family gathering).  Typically, it’s a time for people to 对家人表示感激 (express appreciation for family).  On your Thanksgiving, don’t forget to 感谢(thank) your family!  Generally speaking, the holidays for families to gather in China are Spring Festival (New Year) and Mid-Autumn Festival.  It makes more sense to have family gatherings separated by months rather than just one month, but no matter the case it’s always good to reconnect with the people who have known you since birth.

感恩节 gan3en1jie2 – Thanksgiving holiday
火鸡 huo3ji1 – turkey
土豆 tu3dou4 – potato
小红梅酱 xiao3hong2mei3jiang4 – cranberry sauce
南瓜派 nan2gua1pai4 – pumpkin pie
家庭 jia1ting2 – family
团聚 tuan2ju4 – gather
节日 jie2ri4 – holiday
感激 gan3ji1 – appreciate
感谢 gan3xie4 – to thank