The First Thanksgiving
Translation: “The First Thanksgiving by Gigi.”
Translation: “When the Native Americans were alive, people called Pilgrims were alive with them. They boarded a boat called the Mayflower.”
Mama Pea note: When the Native Americans were alive? I think this is some very dark, though slightly inaccurate foreshadowing.
Translation: “The Pilgrims and the Native Americans boarded the boat and set out for a new land.”
Mama Pea note: Wait, so the Native Americans came over on The Mayflower too? Hmmm…but I thought they were Native. And American.
Translation: “They sailed a long time, until one day, they found land and had a big party that went for three days.”
Mama Pea note: All big parties obviously have two people. Dancing on tables.
Translation: “And they ate corn and pumpkin pie and vegetables and turkey.”
Mama Pea note: I’m pretty sure that’s a carrot. And a Christmas ornament, which was the vegetarian entrée. And a darn good one in the grand scheme of things.
Translation: “And that is the story of the first Thanksgiving.”
Mama Pea note: And that is most certainly not the story of the first Thanksgiving.
But I am thankful for it none the less.
Just as I am thankful for you.
And for big parties that go three days.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends.
so good to know the whole story!
I am thankful for you too, didya know? I want a party that goes three days. with dancing on tables. I haven’t done that since college.
Happy Thanksgiving, Peas. <3
You too, Kris. We need to get together soon!
LOL. Love the Mama Pea notes!
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. Have an amazing holiday
You too, my friend!
So cute! I love seeing kids learn to write. The way the spell words and draw out their letters, and the way we can still understand what they’re writing. So adorable
I contemplated not putting in the translations.
Nooo I’m glad you did! Because your commentary on the side is always good for a laugh!
and for dancing on tables!
Amen!
The “inaccurate foreshadowing” comment (this whole post, really) made me laugh out loud, to the point where my husband asked me what I was giggling about on the couch. Not sure he found it as funny as I did, but to be fair, he wasn’t looking at the drawings, which really make the whole story…Happy Thanksgiving!
The same thing happened to me
only we were stuck in traffic. This post made me less murderous and full of vitriol.
Happy to hear it, ladies. Happy Thanksgiving to you both!
Well done Gigi! The real story has been so diluted throughout history anyway, but a day of giving thanks isn’t a terrible idea. Personally I think Christmas should be changed to Thanksgiving Part 2, no gifts, only food, lots of dough balls and being grateful for all we have.
I had to sequester myself in our upstairs office tonight because I cannot be trusted anywhere near the Peanut Butter Cookie Dough Balls and Chocolate Chip Cookies with sea salt that I baked earlier. We all taste tested one of each, of course, and they were heavenly.
Have a happy Thanksgiving!!
Wonderful! I’m so honored to be a part of your celebration. Happy Thanksgiving, Aimee!
Awwwww, that is so cute! Love the two people dancing on a table!
Well, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving down here in Oz but I feel much more enlightened after reading Gigi’s story.
PS. I just challenged myself to read Gigi’s version before checking your interpretation – I think you can tell what I have on the brain when I thought it read “…And they ate corn and pumpkin pie and veges and balls and turkey.” Surely they ate dough balls?
I’m thankful for dough balls and Peas and Thank You!!
PPS. Made your African Peanut Stew for the hubby and he raved! Oh, and I of course loved it too, it is definitely a keeper.
I love that you tried to read it yourself! I also love that you guys were into the stew–thanks for the feedback!
Adorable! Happy Thanksgiving Peas:)
Thank you Gigi, it all now makes so much more sense to this Aussie – from all the US blogs I read I had got the impression it was all about being thankful for food, great big quantities of food!
Awesome job Gigi!
Happy Thanksgiving from Canada (where we did it all weeks ago)!
Video works too. 
Don’t forget the dancing on tables. We need pictures. Of ALL the Peas
LOL. Never gonna happen. Pea Daddy’s moves will live in legend only.
Happy Thanksgiving from an Australian who is nonetheless going to think about what she’s thankful for today. Which, of course, includes edible Christmas ornaments.
At least it wasn’t pasta. The vegetarian entree is always pasta.
Cracked.me.up! Happy Thanksgiving Peas!
You too, girl!
You mean not everyone dances on tables to celebrate Thanksgiving??
Happy Thanksgiving Pea family!! May it be filled with fun family time and lots and lots of yummy food!
Thanks, Erin. Hope you have a great one too!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
I hope you haven’t been working too hard in the kitchen today! If you have, I hope you’re relaxing right now
I have. But it’s okay.
Happy Thanksgiving to you too!
That is wonderful. Kids are the best. Most adults wouldn’t know the real story either so I give her a … Close enough. A for effort!
Happy Thanksgiving, Mama Pea and family! Hope it’s a great one– you guys deserve it!
Hey, that’s more than I ever knew about it! I have the excuse of not being American (or Canadian) so even though I live in Canada I excuse myself from knowing the background to either Thanksgivings. I know more about the US one though that is largely in part thanks to Pocahontas, which was released just before my 10th birthday and was my childhood obsession (the Disney version is what I’m talking about, OBV).
We watched Pocahontas the other day and then I researched the real story…and lo and behold it’s not much like the Disney version. Sorry to burst your bubble
Happy Thanks Giving Mama!! looks like another success for the education system, no?
Ah see now I know where my parties fail to be big, it’s just me. Dancing on the table. Gigi’s story was awesome all the same, I’m pondering what the story of Christmas would be.
I’m sad we don’t have thnksgiving in Oz, your dishes look good. I think I might whip up the cornbread and tempeh for the family Christmas this year.
Oh trust me, I’m sure there will be many Christmas stories for us all to enjoy
Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving:) hope you end up dancing on tables wooohoo! Loved Gigi’s story she is a great writer just like her mum! X
Thanks Marion! Happy Thanksgiving to you!
So cute! Have a wonderful Thanksgiving Pea Family!
You too, Lauren!
haha I wish my thanksgivings involved dancing on tables. Happy Thanksgiving
There’s still a chance…
Although not currently one of my Thanksgiving traditions, I think table dancing would be a fine one to add. As a random side note, the first thing I thought of when I saw the 2 people dancing in Gigi’s drawing was James Marsden and Katherine Heigl singing Benny and the Jets in the bar in 27 Dresses!) Those Native Americans and pilgrims knew how to party!! Happy Thanksgiving Mama Pea.
I was thinking of Coyote Ugly myself. But I’m older than you
Speaking as a representative of the Native Americans…we most certainly do NOT dance on the table tops. At least not until day 5 of the party
Happy Thanksgiving Pea Family.
You still exist?!? (according to Gigi, you are extinct…like dinosaurs. And who is responsible for that, Gigi????)
We still exist…but our blood is much thinner. It’s ok tho…I think I have the pilgrims to thank for the lovely uncontrollable curl in my hair. Though I am thankful it’s no longer as curly as Miss Gigi’s
Gigi’s version sounds more fun than the original
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your beautiful family!
Thanks, Heather, I hope you guys have a great one too!
Us mom didn’t need any translation
Happy Thanksgiving!
You too!
Aww! This is precious! At least she tied everyone together by putting them on the same boat. No awkward meet and greets and Plymouth Rock. Then party!
Happy Thanksgiving! I am totally making your gravy, Martha’s bean and potatoes, Paula Deen’s “Earth Balance” Peas, and Isa’s Seitan Roast.
Happy Thanksgiving to the Pea family too!!
Love Gigi’s story!
Happy Thanksgiving to you & your Peas!
Speaking of being thankful and the existence of Native Americans, there is a crisis in the Attawapiskat First Nation in northern Ontario, Canada. I know Peas and Thank You has a lot of Canadian readers and I’m hoping that this comment will be considered a ‘tap’ for you. It’s disgraceful that this is happening in Canada.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/charlie-angus/attawapiskat-emergency_b_1104370.html?ref=fb&src=sp&comm_ref=false#undefined
I pray no one thinks this is an inappropriate thing to post here. I love Peas and Thank You partly for the recipeas but also for the reminders that we are not alone in this world and that we have an obligation and responsibility to reach out and help or fellow man in whatever way we can.
Remember to be thankful for the basics, like a warm house, clean running water and proper sanitation. Happy Thanksgiving everyone.
Perfectly appropriate, Nina. Thank you for sharing, and happy Thanksgiving!
As a kindergarten teacher, I was thrilled not to need the translation! : ) Love her story, love that she wrote a book, love the sweet minds of kids. Happy Thanksgiving!
I’m thankful for being able to dance on tables…if the Pilgrims did it why can’t I?
Happy Thanksgiving, Peas!
That is so cute – kids are so funny!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Haha – that is just adorable
HAPPY THANKSGIVING to all the Peas!
That is the most adorable thing ever. Hope you guys have a great day : )
priceless.
and i better get a move on, if this party’s going for three days. (tomorrow is christmas tree day with my whole family, so i might just get there.)
Little Gigi gets me every time!
Happy Thanksgiving to you all!
Happy, happy day to you and yours, Sarah!!
Happy Thanksgiving! I think our holiday is going to last about three days so Gigi was right on!
I LOVE Gigi’s rendition of the first Thanksgiving! It should last 3 days!!! More time to sample all the good food. And after 3 days we would ALL be dancing on the tables! Happy Thanksgiving.
Love the story:) Happy thanksgiving!!
Thank YOU for this wonderful blog, your book, which is awesome, your humour, and this community of people. I wish you continued health and happiness and would give you a really big hug if I could, maybe a little strange as I’ve never actually met you. All the best!
Love any parties that have at least 2 people and involves dancing on tables!
Hope you and your family have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving! SO glad to have found you and so thankful for your friendship. Hugs to the Pea family (Pea Kitty too). 
Dance on the table….uh….okay. The night is young, why not?
I hope you are having a wonderful Thanksgiving! I just logged on to print that potato recipea from the other day! Yum!
Happy Thanksgiving to the Pea family!
Might not be the right story, but it’s a funny story.
Happy Thanksgiving to all the Peas! 
Happy Thanksgiving! Hope you are having a wonderful day!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and the family! So thankful that we are friends !
<3 xoxo
That is so cute! I was making Christmas cards with my nephews today to send to my grandma, their great grandma, who lives in Arizona. I had to write word for word what my nephew said: “I Love you Grandma Woody. You are my Grandma. Grandma Woody.”
It’s true too!
–Still living Native American
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your wonderful family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Mama Pea, and your whole Pea clan!
Also, I could be wrong, but I *think* it says they ate “vegtaballs”. Maybe that’s what the Christmas ornament is really supposed to be? A vegtaball?
hahaha this totally made my evening!!! Thank you for helping me end today with another laugh and smile
I like how she spelled “pumpkin pie” and “vegetables”. Teehee…
Haha! I love it! Happy (belated) Thanksgiving right back!
I love Gigi’s improv history lessons : )
Aww this is so great and adorable!! I love stuff like this–thanks for the smiles and laughs!
Ok – that may well be the sweetest thing ever. I LOVE her version of the story, and the pictures.
Only the cool parties have people dancing on tables, Mama Pea. Are you sure Gigi’snot in college?
That is so sweet!
Just wanted to let you know that I FINALLY got your book the day after Thanksgiving and I have already read it cover to cover-love it! I CANNOT WAIT for your next book to come out!
Hope you had an excellent holiday!
Thank you, Emily! I’m so happy you liked the book and I’m excited for you to have the second one too
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
so cute
Dancing on tables huh…what sort of dinner time festivities do you Peas get into?
Quick fact did you know that the first Thanksgiving was actually in Virginia on December 4, 1619 (a year before the Pilgrims).
However I don’t think they had any table dances (better then laps) so I think that is why the Pilgrims get most of the glory.
I’m giggling at my desk. Love Gigi’s story and your comments, you two should have your own show
This makes me want to get right up on my desk and have a dance party for one…and when I’m finished, hopefully I can get my hands on a deelicious ornament or two.
We’ll take it…the own show. Or a delicious ornament or two.
That’s adorable.
Dancing on tables is definitely nostalgia for me. Wait… what?
Classic! Love how she spells Vegtabulls. Big Hug.