topic Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving? in Community Chat

Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

gidgetgh — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:21:33 GMT

My family has had a rough year and, to be honest, I'm exhausted. Physically and emotionally exhausted. So, we're not "doing" Thanksgiving this year, at least at our house. No cooking for me. Can't do it.

We're meeting my sister's family for lunch out on Wednesday. I'm looking forward to that and that's Thanksgiving enough for me truthfully.

Thanksgiving day, it will just be my husband, father and me. So I think we're going to eat out somewhere. Where, I do not know. I thought about Chinese food, but called the restaurant near us and they're not going to be open. My husband would like to go to Golden Corral (we ate Thanksgiving there 4 years ago and it was actually really good) but my father has some mobility issues- recovering from a stroke and while he's doing well, I just don't see him in the line, with his walker and then having to negotiate the walker, crowds of people, buffet line, etc.

I'm actually thinking about Waffle House. My father LOVES Waffle House and hasn't been since his stroke. It's easy to navigate, close to our house and simple. And this year, I need simple.

Anyone else doing something thing different this year?

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Preds — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:26:22 GMT

We'll do our normal in-law thing for lunch (everyone brings a dish or three), but I found out yesterday that my DD and future SIL are coming by for breakfast. Hadn't planned on making breakfast, but guess I will be now. LOL DH mentioned making waffles so that may be what we do since DD will be going to her future MILs for lunch, her future FILs after that and then her dads for dinner. Don't want to overfeed the kids.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Lipstickdiva — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:27:25 GMT

Kind of yes. We too had a couple of losses on my side of the family this year so we decided to change things up. In years past, we have always gone to DH's side of the family early for a full meal and visit and then to my side later for another full meal and visit.

This year, we are going to DH's side early as usual but my side has decided we are only going to do dessert and drinks in the early evening. We will still all see each other but we won't have another big meal. It will just be a relaxing get together and we will scour the Black Friday ads like we are actually going to go shopping, but no one ever does. LOL

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Lucky Charm — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:28:16 GMT

Sorry things have been so bad.

Maybe leaving the house will be too much, too. You know, getting dressed up and driving somewhere. And too hard for your dad. Plus, you're going to need to be 'on' for others at the restaurant you choose.

How about doing something simple at home. Doesn't have to be fancy. Buy some guilty pleasures in the frozen food section and then head to the bakery.

What ever you choose, I hope you still enjoy your day with your DH and dad.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

dex — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:30:05 GMT

We had our dinner last week with our son and his friends because he couldn't make it home.I think we will be doing nothing special this year but I suggested volunteering somewhere but I don't know how to go about that.

i hope you and your dad have a nice dinner whatever you decide and happy thanksgiving!

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

brii — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:55:04 GMT

Since my mom passed, I make Thanksgiving dinner. It's just going to be my family though.

My husband mentioned having all of his family over, and I don't think I'm up for that. That's like 20+people.

I just want to enjoy a peaceful meal with my family. My kids want to go Black Friday shopping. I'll be snoozing...

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

ChynnaBlue — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:55:16 GMT

I moved to Texas many years ago when a Texas company bought the California company where I worked. They offered a few of us jobs and some of us moved to Texas. Some of us have families elsewhere and would rather not travel just for Thanksgiving, so we all go out to eat together on Thanksgiving. We've been to a few places, but we've been going to Marie Callenders for maybe the last 8 years. They only offer two options - turkey or ham - on Thanksgiving and it comes with soup, cornbread, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, vegetables, and pie. They only have pumpkin, apple, and maybe pecan on Thanksgiving day. We get all the good stuff with none of the work or clean up and no one has a zillion leftovers.

My parents usually also go out for Thanksgiving because it's the two of them and my vegetarian sister. This year they are going to my cousin's house. My cousin is a vegetarian but her husband is not, so they will have something for everyone.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

qvcfreak — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 15:57:52 GMT

I sold our home in August and we are currently building and house won't be ready for Thanksgiving so we are doing Cracker Barrel but I've been busy buying Christmas decorations and appliances, furniture and even ordered a Bethlehem Christmas tree and Bliss lights, closing on the 7th so definitely will be ready for Christmas

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

hoosieroriginal — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:20:17 GMT

Glad you are taking a break. Me, I had years and years of having to be at someone's house, now I just enjoy being at home with me and my dogs. I'm thinking of going to Fazoli's and picking up a baked spaghetti and breadsticks the day before and just relaxing the rest of the day.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

pegsue — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:32:56 GMT

OP-we've had a rough few years also but this past and I know what you mean. Since last Thanksgiving our family has started a new tradition. Thanksgiving breakfast! Me, DH, son and his fiance, my parents and my aunt. It felt kind of strange to start a new tradition but everyone loved it! AND after it was said and done and everything is cleaned up DH has the rest of the day to do whatever we want! Kids go on their way and my parents and aunt can sit and talk as long as they want. It was nice.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

PinkyPetunia — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 16:43:37 GMT

For some past holidays that no one had the energy to cook and shop for, we brought in meals from Boston Market. If one is near you this could be an option.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Suziepeach — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 17:45:58 GMT

To make a very long story short, it will either be McDonald's or Sonic.. My MIL, even with family driving 3 hrs for BIL and almost 8 for us, says, "I'm not cooking." Well surprise neither are we!!

I literally have to duct tape my mouth to keep peace with my husband..

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

lulu2 — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 17:50:36 GMT

We hosted the family Thanksgiving for more years than I can count. This year our son and his family will be with DIL's family. My husband and I are going to California for a football weekend. We will have Thanksgiving dinner with a college roommate and his family.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

sunshine45 — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 17:55:15 GMT

we will be doing a traditional thanksgiving as we always do....friends, family, lots of food, football, cocktails, catching up, relaxing, and even some political discussion i am sure. even those years that we have had losses, we still manage to pull together and enjoy thanksgiving. it is a wonderful time to honor our loved ones and smile and laugh as we remember them in our lives.

i hope everyone has a wonderful thanksgiving and is able to enjoy it in the way they want to enjoy it. i am thankful i am here to share another thanksgiving with loved ones.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Shorty2U — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 18:14:17 GMT

I am sorry you and your family have had a bad year.

We don't do different for us, but probably different compared to how others are with their entire family.

My husband and I go to a locally owned diner to have Thanksgiving dinner. The food is delicious! Everything from appetizers, to salad, to the main course and dessert for $10.99 each. We also may go to a morning movie first (depending).

My children from my first marriage and grandchildren go to my 1st husbands family. (But I do have my grandchildren for when my children do their black Friday shopping)

To be honest- I never cared for Thanksgiving. We should take time out to be thankful daily and also we have many family dinners together year round, not just on holidays. And frankly I like going out, no work in cooking, and no left overs (that I don't need to eat anyway..lol).

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving whatever you do.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

gmkb — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 18:58:29 GMT

I have always had Thanksgiving at my home, but not this year due to some health issues I developed. Thanksgiving will be at my son's home. I don't like not feeling well, but I am looking forward to having someone else do the cooking.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

DiAnne — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:02:31 GMT

All I want is a turkey sandwich on white bread with Best Foods mayo!

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

tansy — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:07:45 GMT

I'm with shorty in that I don't care for the traditional fare and endless leftovers. I begged off from Thanksgiving this year so my husband and I will go out or do a turkey breast and stuffing or maybe just make appetizers.

I am am seeing local restaurants charging $30-plus for a turkey dinner.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

Chrystaltree2 — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:14:47 GMT

Everyone has a year or two when we don't have the strenngth to prepare a big dinner and entertain. But eating out in a restaurant on Thanksgiving would be more stressful and bothersome for me than putting a chicken in the oven and making some veggies or going to Boston Chicken and buying a prepared dinner. Especiallyif you have someone with mobility issues.

Re: Anyone doing something different for Thanksgiving?

123SuzyQ123 — Fri, 20 Nov 2015 19:24:56 GMT

I feel that it is perfectly OK to skip the big meal and family get togethers on Thanksgiving if you need to or want to, as long as we still offer our thanks and touch base with family that day.

I tried to do the Cracker Barrel meal on Thanksgiving two years ago when I was alone in a new area and the wait was unreal! The line was out the door and wrapped around the building! I got there at 11:10 AM and it was already very crowded. So I went up to the counter and asked for my plate to be fixed "to go" ---- so I did get to eat Cracker Barrel, but I had to wait over an hour and take it home.

So, yes, I have gone the "untraditional" way on Holidays before. Blessings to all of you!