Thanksgiving meals

KG60 · ‎02-27-2022

I was sort of surprised to talk to many folks who did not have turkey this year. Citing high grocery prices and some that have "No family left" there were also a lot of folks that did not fix dinner at all. Several fixed chicken or Cornish hens, some skipped meat altogether. How sad in our world, that we can't go pick up an elderly neighbor and have them over for dinner on one day of the year, or get an extra turkey if we can afford it, to give to a needy neighbor. We have to get better at looking around us, even in our own communities and really seeing our neighbors. Seems nowadays, folks don't even know their neighbors names. I am so grateful to live in a very small town. We take food to families when they have a loved one pass, we know each other and we help one another. I believe it is what each of us is meant to do.

Susan Louise · ‎03-14-2010

We ate only meat...a roast...no sides, no desserts. Why not a turkey? We had turkey on Thanksgiving for many decades. Why no sides or desserts? We live a keto/carnivore lifestyle for our health.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I had a peanut butter and cherry preserve sandwich. It was not from lack of funds and my freezer is stuffed. No, I'm alone and was not in the mood to cook, which I've come to hate, so I didnt. I was happy as a clam.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

qbetzforreal · ‎08-28-2010

@KG60 wrote:
I was sort of surprised to talk to many folks who did not have turkey this year. Citing high grocery prices and some that have "No family left" there were also a lot of folks that did not fix dinner at all. Several fixed chicken or Cornish hens, some skipped meat altogether. How sad in our world, that we can't go pick up an elderly neighbor and have them over for dinner on one day of the year, or get an extra turkey if we can afford it, to give to a needy neighbor. We have to get better at looking around us, even in our own communities and really seeing our neighbors. Seems nowadays, folks don't even know their neighbors names. I am so grateful to live in a very small town. We take food to families when they have a loved one pass, we know each other and we help one another. I believe it is what each of us is meant to do.

What did you do to assist an elderly person or a person or family in need.

Our office did our annual food drive. We collected enough food (turkeys included) for 30 families. @KG60

elated · ‎06-09-2010

Kroger had turkeys on sale for $.49 a lb. I don't know where you are going to find less expensive meat..Potatoes are not expensive. Kroger had their own brand of stuffing mix for 4 boxes for $5.00. They had rolls for $.99. If you add vegetables, the total would not amount to more than maybe $30.00 to $40.00.You always have leftovers, so I see it as a win. I find it sad that many are alone on the holidays but they are alone all year. Kindness shouldn't just be for holidays but it should be everyday.

KG60 · ‎02-27-2022

We helped a neighbor and friend fighting a second round of cancer in three years, to pay a bill and gave them funds. Then we bought an alternator and a battery for their vehicle and installed them for her, checked the oil and filled it with gasoline. She is on round two of cancer, no vehicle running so she takes the community transit bus to work...every day. And cares for her Sister who is getting ready to have open heart surgery. That is what we did this week and not for recognition, just answering your question. And you don't need money to be charitable. We also keep those in need in our prayers. We do these things not because we are rich but because it is what we are meant to do, according to the good book. Leave it to someone on the forum to reply with an attitude about being charitable! Go figure!

Desertdi · ‎03-13-2010

@Kachina624 wrote:
I had a peanut butter and cherry preserve sandwich. It was not from lack of funds and my freezer is stuffed. No, I'm alone and was not in the mood to cook, which I've come to hate, so I didnt. I was happy as a clam.

@Kachina624 For the same reasons as yours...I had a can of tuna topped with guac! di

♥Surface of the Sun♥

BlueFinch · ‎08-31-2019

@Desertdi @Kachina624 I was alone by choice. Just didn't feel festive this year. Wanted quiet time, instead.

I had a couple of chicken tenders and a salad. Minimal prep. Then a neighbor arrived with a big slice of pumpkin pie.

Perfect day for me. Napped, watched movies and stayed in lounge wear all day.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

I don't appreciate the shaming or attempt at making us feel guilty. Some people want to be alone. They may not be comfortable in social situations or they don't like the traditional meal. No one can do anything about that. Months ago we invited several extra guests, extended family to our kids-in-law, and no one took us up on it. They either stayed home or decided to do something else, so you can't force either side in this situation.

A basic turkey dinner at Thanksgiving time is usually one of the more affordable meals to assemble. A couple of Cornish hens could end up costing the same, or more, as a good size turkey, so I have a hard time buying that. It's when all the additional fancy sides, extra desserts, etc. start getting added on that the costs increase greatly. Unless my area is a lot different from others, I think most communities either have food banks or there are civic or service groups, missions, and/or churches that will open for a day and offer a meal to whomever wants one, but people need to get themselves there.. Our local Boy Scouts also did a food collection drive a few weeks ago too, for groceries that could help others. They left grocery bags at area homes that the homeowner would fill and leave on their front porch for collection day. They collected a lot. I'm not sure who, but I think someone arranged for frozen turkeys too.

I can't say it happens often but our door is always open to a neighbor or extended family who wants to join us. DD knows this and has experienced it here when she was a child, so she was comfortable in asking her BIL and SIL, whose plans fell through unexpectedly, to be with us. She let me know so we could adjust the table settings, but she didn't need my permission to include them. I was glad she had the confidence to invite them, knowing it was ok. This all happened 2-3 hours before dinner, and it worked out quite nicely. They are sweet kids and were perfect guests. I even got them to take leftovers home. I'd love to have them again sometime.