Lead Writer
Long ago, Thanksgiving began with a shared meal that brought together two groups who couldn’t have been more different. Though their worlds were far apart, they came together to celebrate a bountiful meal and the shared bond of family. Today, in Porto Morto, that spirit of togetherness carries on in its own peculiar way. Sure, our zombie friends prefer roasted roadkill over turkey, but the essence of the holiday remains: it’s not about what’s rotting on the table—it’s about who’s gathered around it.
For the Rottington family, Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on what makes their undead lives unique and fulfilling. Here’s what each member is grateful for this season:
Stu has been neck-deep in Thanksgiving prep, tackling Goryann’s endless to-do list: setting the dinner table, sprucing up the yard, and tracking down the perfect roadkill for the main course. But for Stu, the chaos melts away the moment he catches the first whiff of his beloved Corpsebread candle. That rancid, doughy scent is like a warm hug from beyond the grave, reminding him why the holidays are worth all the effort.
Stu has been neck-deep in Thanksgiving prep, tackling Goryann’s endless to-do list: setting the dinner table, sprucing up the yard, and tracking down the perfect roadkill for the main course. But for Stu, the chaos melts away the moment he catches the first whiff of his beloved Corpsebread candle. That rancid, doughy scent is like a warm hug from beyond the grave, reminding him why the holidays are worth all the effort.
For Goryann, Thanksgiving is about honoring traditions in her own way. Her family’s cookbook has been passed down for generations, its dog-eared pages filled with recipes meant for humans. But where’s the fun in following directions? For Goryann, creativity is the secret ingredient. When the recipe calls for turkey, a plump dead seagull scavenged from a ditch is clearly the superior choice. Add a stuffing of wriggling maggots and a drizzle of critter goo, and voilà! A dish that would make any zombie proud. To her, it’s not just cooking—it’s an art form, and one that keeps her family traditions alive… or, well, undead.
Blair’s Thanksgiving got a whole lot better when her favorite band, The Putrid Hearts, dropped a new album on the holiday. For most teenagers, blasting heavy metal at the dinner table would be an instant no-go—but Blair’s family? They get it. While the rest of the Rottingtons serve up dinner, Blair is free to tune in, headbang, and savor the music that makes her undead heart sing. She may act like she’s too cool for family time, but she’s secretly grateful that her parents let her be herself—even if it means rocking out in the middle of dinner.
Blair’s Thanksgiving got a whole lot better when her favorite band, The Putrid Hearts, dropped a new album on the holiday. For most teenagers, blasting heavy metal at the dinner table would be an instant no-go—but Blair’s family? They get it. While the rest of the Rottingtons serve up dinner, Blair is free to tune in, headbang, and savor the music that makes her undead heart sing. She may act like she’s too cool for family time, but she’s secretly grateful that her parents let her be herself—even if it means rocking out in the middle of dinner.
Bram’s Thanksgiving isn’t complete without his prized jar of pickled… well, something. Is it a severed hand? A bizarre science experiment? Nobody knows for sure—not even his family! But whatever it is, the Rottingtons went out of their way to track it down for him, proving once again that family will do just about anything to make you happy (even if it involves acquiring mysterious brine-filled oddities). Bram doesn’t need answers; he’s just thankful for the jar and the love behind it. And if it’s good enough for Bram, it’s good enough for the rest of the Rottingtons.
Hades lives for his yearly Thanksgiving heist: the moment Goryann looks the other way, he makes his move on the wormy crumble pie. It’s a daring operation, full of sneaky glances and a wagging tail of mischief. Sure, he’ll be in the doghouse once Goryann realizes what he’s done, but to Hades, a belly full of pie is worth every ounce of trouble. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without it.
Hades lives for his yearly Thanksgiving heist: the moment Goryann looks the other way, he makes his move on the wormy crumble pie. It’s a daring operation, full of sneaky glances and a wagging tail of mischief. Sure, he’ll be in the doghouse once Goryann realizes what he’s done, but to Hades, a belly full of pie is worth every ounce of trouble. Thanksgiving just wouldn’t be the same without it.
The Rottington family’s Thanksgiving may not look like your typical holiday gathering, but their gratitude and togetherness are timeless. In Porto Morto, Thanksgiving is a reminder that no matter how unconventional your family might be, there’s always something to be thankful for.
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