First up, let’s address the elephant … no wait … make that donkey in the room: we have a new president!!! It’s been an emotional rollercoaster of various highs, lows and WTF moments since the election, but mostly I feel a deep sense of relief, like maybe every day won’t end (or begin) with a primal scream. I’ll share more thoughts about this later but in celebration, let’s act like we’re not in the midst of surging pandemic and talk turkey.
This list of questions originates from Leslie over at Once Upon a Time and Happily Ever After and I decided to play along after seeing my friend, Rebecca Jo, participate in the link-up. Also, I didn’t know what else to post so thank goodness for friends! 🙂
1. Will you watch Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade? Football? Movies?
The answer is no. Yes, I am the Grinch. Yes, I realize that’s the wrong holiday but still a very Grinch-like response on my part. The parade doesn’t really interest me. I hate football. And while I enjoy movies, Thanksgiving isn’t really a day that I watch movies. Mostly, I eat. Lots. I eat lots and lots and then eat some more.
Poor turkeys. Beat they do wish the Grinch could steal Thanksgiving.
2. Who does the cooking? Fix ahead of time?
It depends. When I lived in CA, I celebrated Friendsgiving and we went to a Thanksgiving buffet versus anyone cooking since everyone worked Wednesday. The restaurant was oceanfront so I enjoyed beautiful views, okay food (if we’re being honest) and great company. I miss it. Last year, my Mom hosted as she typically does. While it is potluck. my Mom (and therefore me too) make the majority of dishes.
This year, there will be no basting turkeys as Thanksgiving is a no-go with the pandemic surging in our area. I’m sad but it is the right the thing to do.
3. What time do you eat the big meal?
At home, we eat a Noon or shortly thereafter. When I feasted with friends, we actually hit the buffet fairly early, around 10 AM. Once my boss hosted us for Thanksgiving, which was really nice, but they ate at 4 PM. It’s entirely possible that I had a pre-Thanksgiving meal before I ate there. Like I said: Thanksgiving = Tanya eats lots.
4. Do you set a formal table or keep things casual? Place cards? Children’s Table?
No, it’s very casual. Potluck and everybody serves themselves. There is a kids’ table (although almost all the kids are big now) and absolutely no place cards. I actually still kind of wish I could sit at the kids’ table, especially now.
A huge advantage to being a kid, especially this year. I’d definitely want to sit with them, if we were still having holiday celebrations. Ahem.
And yes, my friend Rebecca Jo, also used this meme. I don’t know why you’re shocked. I already copied her post. Of course, I’m going to “borrow” her memes too.
5. Is the food placed on the table or served buffet style?
Ummm … pretty sure I answered this already. Buffet style. This is better for me because first, I don’t have to repeatedly tell people to pass the mashed potatoes and stuffing. Over and over. To the point of annoyance. Also, I’m not super coordinated so buffet style lessens the chances of anyone (or myself) wearing the food because it’s all fun and games until someone tips the gravy onto your lap.
6. Ham or turkey? What’s for dessert?
Turkey. We are traditionalists. 🙂 I don’t mind turkey breast but I really don’t enjoy turkey leftovers. So turkey is kind of a one-and-done meal for me but I can live off mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing and buns for days. Dessert is probably pumpkin pie. Eh. Pass me some more mashed potatoes, please.
7. Does your family have a Thanksgiving tradition?
Well, not beyond actually celebrating Thanksgiving.
Kidding. We’re not that bad but we don’t necessarily have any Thanksgiving traditions besides decorating the house for Christmas on Friday.
8. Yay or nay to leftovers? Favorite leftover recipe?
Yes to leftovers, except turkey. Otherwise everything else is yummy in my tummy. Recipe? Nah. I just reheat the leftovers and shovel them into my mouth.
9. What will everyone wear? Dress up or comfy?
Comfy. Mostly jeans and joggers/leggings. I did have to dress up once and it felt wrong because how could I pig out when my pants had buttons that had to stay buttoned? Zero thanks to give that day.
10. For what are you most thankful this year?
A new president and the first lady (and POC) vice-president. My health. My family’s health. A new president and vice-president. Still being able to earn a paycheck when so many are not. My cat Max. Mashed potatoes (just because we’re not celebrating doesn’t mean I ain’t eating some come turkey day). A new president and vice-president. A possible vaccine on the horizon. The Animaniacs revival on Hulu. Baby Yoda. And last but not least, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
I LOVE the Animaniacs. Wakko is my favorite. Typically I give side-eye to all these revivals and reboots but not this one. CAN’T WAIT!!
Also, THEY ARE CATS.
Your Turn
Feel free to play along on your blog or answer one of the questions above in the comment section. Or let me know what you’re most grateful for this year.
Tanya
Borrow away my friend!!!! 🙂
4pm? I’d totally have 2 other Thanksgiving meals before then 🙂
I’m totally going to sing All about that Baste…e ven though I dont eat meat… its still a catchy tune.
I’m SOOOO excited for a personable First Lady again… & of course the new First Dogs!!!! YAHOOO
Hmm. I might borrow this for tomorrow!
I don’t like ham and I love turkey- so I’m with the traditionalists all the way. Glad you’re staying safe this year, but I’m sad for the holidays lost this year. Sigh. Oh well- so long as we all get lots and lots of food it’ll be ok 😉