Right now, we are going to look back at 2012 and take a moment and chuckle at how young and naive we were back then. Oh, what sweet summer, children we were. So young, so carefree, and full of hope, and in my case, so few children—there were three and my stepdaughter back then. Oh, and I had just started working for FeedBlitz. Can you believe you’ve been putting up with me for eight years, Phil?
Look at how cute we were, assuming there would be guests and knowing all the ingredients would just be at the store for us to buy at any given time. Oh, by the way, I strongly suggest getting the ingredients you know you will be using as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the last minute to try to get that can of pumpkin. Do not underestimate people’s drive to recreate Grandma’s pumpkin pie. I don’t expect the stores to be bare, but I do know that numbers are climbing and disruptions can happen, plan accordingly.
This year, I’m not going to suggest trying to come up with the perfect, traditional Thanksgiving menu. I want you to think about how you will make this Thanksgiving a special day in its own way. If trying to make a turkey with all the trimmings will feel like too much work or if it will make you too sad, don’t do it. We can pick up the tradition next year or the year after. This year, we are doing what we need to do to be kind to ourselves.
One of my colleagues is looking forward to making herself a pot roast and zooming with friends and family. Another is going to have a more traditional meal, but only their very favorite items and just one guest who is in their pandemic bubble.
As for us, five of our six children will be here and we really do like leftovers, so I will be doing a traditional Thanksgiving meal. My mother, stepfather, and sister, will join us if they can. We’re going to follow all of the precautions that we can and even if I can’t hug them, it’ll be so good to see them.
Just for fun and nostalgia, I’ll link to the old menu planner we used back in 2012; maybe you’ll still find it useful to sketch out an idea of what you wish you could have for Thanksgiving, what’s practical, and the compromise.
Onward!
Michael says
We are gonna have the full spread!! Turkey, rice, gravy, green bean casserole, crescent rolls, toy trains, everything! Oh, and I will be making an apple pie, of course. Just will be having a few less people, so I would guess there will be more leftovers for the kids.
But they can’t have the toy trains. Those are mine. 🙂