Thanksgiving has always been a big holiday for my family. Once my parents passed on things changed. We no longer went "home" but became separate. Three siblings going three different ways. But then two households began disagreeing on life, the universe, and everything... now I'm expected to pick a side. It's nothing new really. It's been a family tradition to disagree for decades about everything, but I've grown especially tired of it all.
I know many families that never seem to have a problem. Their holidays sound glorious and everything is perfect. So when it came time for me to decide if I wanted a perfect holiday or contention, I chose to spend the time at home. No more stressing over what everyone wants. They're certainly not going to stress over what I want, and what I want is peacefulness. I cannot change them - yet I love each of them, no matter what.
A month ago I bought a turkey and planned to cook it while watching one of the Thanksgiving day parades. I figured by the time the parade was over the turkey would be done. Great plan! Then five days ago both parties called with an invitation. I've flipped this back and forth a thousand times, but in my heart I know staying home is the best decision for me. I haven't celebrated a single holiday with either, when there wasn't the usual gossip. I'm done.
Thursday morning I will proceed with my plans. I think the parade starts at 8:30 a.m., so the bird has to be in the oven just before then. Yep, and maybe some scrabbled egg biscuits, a little coffee, and let the show begin.
A couple of neighbors will be over later and we'll laugh over leftovers. Charles is bringing his coveted broccoli casserole and ice cream (to go with the apple pie I'm planning). Lisa is bringing potato salad and maybe some leftover mac 'n cheese. This is my family. Then - I'll probably listen to each tell the family nightmare from this year's Thanksgiving day... but at least I won't have a sad tale to add. That's peacefulness.
Your turn!
Is there a Thanksgiving celebration where you live?
If so, do you gossip or gobble around the bird? (smile).
No Thanksgiving at home in South Africa or here in Saudi Arabia (where I'm stationed temporarily). But I get the whole sibling household rivalry. Parent's have a way of being the glue that holds the family together and I've seen many families go their separate ways when that glue is no longer there.
ReplyDeleteI think spending Thanksgiving with people you choose to be with (friends and neighbours) must be more rewarding... they are afterall, the only "family" we get to choose.
Except your cousin Blue, of course :)
DeleteHi Azra. You're right about parents being the glue. It's tough and life keeps going. My neighbor and friends are the best.
DeleteVery much like your recent post - the telling is the hard part. Maybe if I used hieroglyphics I'd stand a better chance of getting it all out.
I'm very grateful you visited me - and looking forward to your new construction!
Blue, you're always the charming cousin!
DeleteYes, we celebrate Thanksgiving, but our family is scattered around the planet so it's not like we're one big happy bunch come Thursday. I've had to choose sides on more than one occasion, which I never did.
ReplyDeleteI'm happiest when the only sides I have to choose are what dishes to accompany the main meat course.
DeleteBy the way, your recent post is rather funny and got me thinking. No worries, I won't be thinking very long!
Thank you for visiting me today.
Good for you for celebrating in the way that makes you happiest. That's what it's really all about - celebrating love, not passing around gossip with the butter.
ReplyDeleteThank you Elsie. I like butter but I can do without the crumbs!! Very glad you visited me.
DeleteWe have Thanksgiving in Canada, but in October. Not having any family here, it's a bit of a lonely time for us. Used to have fun when we lived in NC though. Happy Thanksgiving to you. Good idea to leave squabbling family alone.
ReplyDeleteI have another friend from Canada so I knew their celebration was a month ago. Reading your recent post about the mince pie brought back a pleasant memory. I was hoping you'd have recipe. There's still time.
DeleteThank you for the kind wishes. As always I'm grateful for the visit and support.
I am posting a recipe tomorrow on making mincemeat, specially for you. I am quite sure you know how to make a pie with it.
DeleteOh Jo - thank you very, very much!!! Oh yes, I have plenty of ingredients to make another 2-3 pies. I can't wait.
DeleteHolidays with "chosen family" always work better! Have fun -- lots of stress-free, peaceful fun!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra. Last year was really uncomfortable. I knew if I wanted any jolly in the holly, I'd have to change up things.
DeleteThank you for the support and well wishes!!!
it is tough when the family doesn't speak, I myself don't speak with a person who is supposed to be my brother. If they're not worth all the wrecked nerves, than stay home if you can. I'd pop over if me was a few oceans closer :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe I should send the jet to pick you up. Of course Blue has indicated that we cannot celebrate without him... or was that Christmas we were arranging??
DeleteOh I should apologize now for the many times I'll be popping over to watch the trailers you display!!! So of course feel free to pop over here.
Willy Dunne Wooters will be here for Thanksgiving. We avoid relatives like the plague. We will chat about this and that as we eat our delicious dinner. We often talk about current events and politics. We have the same beliefs: liberal.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
That sounds lovely, Janie. I know you'll have a great time. Isn't it nice when you have things in common? I think so.
DeleteEnjoy the day and thank you for visiting me!!
Love, Dixe
I loved your comic! So funny! :)
ReplyDeleteI couldn't resist!
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