While most families are preparing Thanksgiving feasts for their immediate households, 90-year-old Maria Little is busy planning a celebration that will bring together more than 50 family members from across the country.

A long-time resident of Gore, Little has always cherished family traditions, but this year’s gathering promises to be her most ambitious yet.

“It’s been years since we’ve had everyone in one place,” she says with a warm smile. “This Thanksgiving will be about reconnecting, sharing stories and making memories that last a lifetime.”

Little’s family reunion will welcome relatives traveling from as far as Texas, Colorado, and Mexico, all converging at her home just outside Gore. From nieces and nephews to grandchildren and cousins, the Little family will span three generations.

Hosting such a large group requires meticulous planning, but Little embraces the challenge wholeheartedly. She has been crafting the menu for months, determined to serve a meal as special as the occasion.

“We’ll have the traditional turkey and stuffing, of course, but we’re also adding some of our family’s favorite dishes, like Grandma’s pecan pie and my Aunt Helen’s famous cornbread dressing,” she says.

Little isn’t tackling this monumental task alone. Her daughters and daughters-in-law have volunteered to bring side dishes, while her sons are in charge of setting up tables and chairs in the backyard to accommodate everyone.

“It’s a team effort,” she says proudly. “Everyone is pitching in, and that’s what makes it even more meaningful.”

Beyond the meal, Little is planning activities to keep the reunion lively and engaging. A family trivia game will challenge everyone’s knowledge of their shared history, while a photo booth complete with props and costumes will capture the day’s joy. For the younger kids, she’s organizing a turkey-themed scavenger hunt around the property.

“One of my favorite parts of the day will be our family prayer before the meal,” she shares. “It’s a tradition my parents started, and it’s a reminder of how blessed we are to have each other.”

For Little, hosting this reunion is about more than just celebrating Thanksgiving—it’s about fostering connections that stand the test of time.

“In today’s busy world, it’s easy to lose touch,” she says. “But family is everything, and this is my way of bringing us back together.”

As the day approaches, Little reflects on the significance of this year’s gathering.

“I know it’ll be a lot of work,” she admits, “but when I see everyone laughing, eating and enjoying each other’s company, it’ll all be worth it. That’s what Thanksgiving is all about—being thankful for the people we love.”