Practical Tip of the Week

An Altered-Reality Thanksgiving Celebration

For many of us Thanksgiving is going to look oh so different this year.  Adjustments to our expectations and preparations may not be easy or desired.  But there are a number of things we can do to still make one of our favorite holidays a day of true thanks.  

This will be the first year in over 20 years that neither of my kiddos will be with us.  It will be the first year since the birth of my daughter that my husband and I will be the only ones at our table.  Prior to her birth, we always had friends and or relatives joining us as well as every year until 2020.

Will we buy the smallest turkey I can lay my hands on or go with a new tradition of hens, quail or duck?  My husband is a die-hard traditionalist and since our first Thanksgiving together, he has been the chief chef.  Turning out an exquisitely browned turkey with sumptuously tender meat is his forte and joy.  He usually churns out a pie or 2 along with the stuffing recipe that both our moms used and some potatoes.  My contribution is a dessert, salad, and vegetable along with cleaning the house, prepping the table and keeping the kids occupied when they were little.  That was a lifetime ago. All that has changed.  Will he concede to a non-turkey dinner?  Shall we scale down on the sides and desserts? Ok, maybe the veggies, but the dessert stay.

I will need to consult with him since I am the grocery getter, but here’s what I’m thinking.  We go with a small turkey which will likely give us a week or more of leftovers.  Prep a side or 2.  He will likely make his pumpkin pie. I will whip up a vegan, gluten-free dessert.  We’ll uncork a bottle of aged wine that we saved for a special occasion. 

We also plan to arrange to Zoom with the kids either before, during or after the meal. That will all depend upon what their plans entail and owing to the time difference.  We may loop in other relatives who will be spending the holiday solo.  We hope that we can do our part to provide good cheer to those who will be struggling with possible solitude.  It will be hard for so many who are used to celebrating among a large table of celebrants. 

Here are some suggestions for creating a special day in light of the circumstances:

1.   Arrange a time with loved ones to video chat or share a meal.  Try to plan your cooking so that all foods are ready about the same time.  Be sure to consider time zone differences.  A turkey ready at noon on the east coast is probably not going to work for west coast folks, so a later dinner hour is probably more reasonable.

2.  Share family favorite recipes so that you can all experience a nearly shared meal.  Chat about the final product.  Did it come out well?  If it was a new recipe for other members, were there hiccups or did it go smoothly? Be sure to share any prep secrets so that their meal is savory too.  If heirloom recipes are like those in my family, my grandmother was famous for non-specific ingredient amounts.  If you know the exact tablespoons, teaspoons, or cups, let others in. Pounds per hour may feel like second nature to some of us, but for those who’ve never cooked a turkey, noting the weight prior to ditching the packaging can mean the difference between a raw or overcooked bird.

3.  Send a grocery store or bakery gift card to those who may be struggling financially to help out with the grocery bill so that they can enjoy a special dinner.  Not only does it help the family, choosing a locally-owned option will help the merchants too.  If you receive a gift card, spend it asap as financial viability of businesses changes sadly by the minute.

4.  Visit your recipes ahead of time to do some math calculations to reduce proportions if your gathering will be smaller than usual. Keep in mind supply shortages due to the pandemic, so grab ingredients when you see them.

5.  Check with your grocery store meat department or butcher for appropriate size and entree selections so that you’re not living on leftovers til next Thanksgiving and you purchase the finest quality for the price. Begin loading up now as grocery store shelves have been more barren this year.

6. If you plan to have guests, ensure that you have lots of easily accessed hand cleansers available and fresh towels or towelettes. I typically advocate avoiding single use goods, but this year, do what makes you comfortable and keeps everyone safe. Masks, distance, all that is your call. Give guests a protocol heads up ahead of time to see if they’re on board. Giving them the choice ahead of time can avoid embarrassing situations if their practices and values are not in alignment with yours.

7.   And finally, take a few moments to give thanks for what we do have this year. Believe me, I know for many that will be a challenge.  But even if it is for a small chocolate bar or breathing without the aid of a respiratory device, there is likely something to be thankful for in a year of emotional, financial, and social complications.

Have a fabulous and practical Thanksgiving celebration. You deserve it. Stay safe.

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