Our Nontraditional Traditional Thanksgiving

Turkey has become such a part of the Thanksgiving tradition that many people refer to the holiday as simply "Turkey Day." I understand why that is, but it makes me a little sad. Just as Christ's birth has, to many people, been lost as the meaning of Christmas, is giving thanks for our many blessings being lost from Thanksgiving?

Hmmm. I did not intend to start out with a sermon! I just meant to tell you that the traditional turkey was missing from our family's Thanksgiving this year. My daughter has written about this in her blog here. So I'll just add my two cents' worth.

Family and our friend Gwen gathered around the Thanksgiving table.

My son-in-law's parents were part of our celebration and we really enjoyed having them with us.

In keeping with tradition we gathered together, family and friends, for a meal and remembering how blessed we are. We had pumpkin, apple, and pecan pie for dessert, as well as cherry crisp.

Nontraditionally, we had lasagna for the main dish. We thoroughly enjoyed the change!

While I like turkey, dressing, and all that goes with it, it was a relief to simplify things. Anne Marie and I divided the meal; the lasagna and cherry dessert fell to her. I did the pies (mostly by baking ready made pies), the veggie plate (again, I bought the veggies already cleaned and cut up), and the fresh bread (gotta love that bread machine). As you see, the "real" cooking was done by Anne Marie. We gathered in my home for the meal--it works better because I have a little more table space and I don't have five dogs! The cleanup was also simpler than in years past. While certainly there was some, it was considerably reduced in volume and most of the dishes went right into the dishwasher.

It was a great meal, good company, and low stress. Perfect!

And I am thankful.