Thanksgiving is usually known as a holiday for eating turkey, watching football, and spending time with family. But in my family, we have a special tradition that makes the holiday more meaningful. It’s called “the seat for the missing,” and it reminds us that Thanksgiving is not only about food, but also about love, memories, and the people who shaped our lives.

Every year at Thanksgiving dinner, we leave one chair at the table empty. That chair represents someone who isn’t with us anymore. It could be someone who passed away, someone who lives far away, or someone we lost contact with over time. This tradition started with my grandmother many years ago. When her brother passed away, she didn’t want Thanksgiving to feel painful or empty. Instead, she wanted a way to honor him. She set a chair for him at the table, lit a candle beside it, and shared a memory of him before everyone started eating. It brought the family closer together, and we have continued the tradition. The purpose is simply to remember the impact people have on our lives, even if they are no longer sitting with us.

This tradition means a lot to me because it teaches an important lesson. Even though life changes and people come and go, love stays. Thanksgiving is not always perfect like in movies. Families argue, people struggle, and sometimes the holidays can even feel lonely.

In the end, Thanksgiving isn’t just about celebrating what we have; it’s also about remembering what we’ve lost and still appreciating it. Our tradition may be small and simple, but to my family, it means everything.