How to celebrate Thanksgiving in changing times

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

open mind
Thanksgiving Day

Step 1

short on cash

The situation: Money's tight.

So, you used to buy all the Thanksgiving fixings, cook the whole meal and serve a house-full of people every year? If that's too expensive this year, try something new to fit your circumstances. Make a list of the Thanksgiving items you want others to bring. You might enjoy making the turkey, gravy & stuffing. Dole out one or two items to each person on your list, such as: the napkins & candles; the relish tray & the rolls; veggie side dish or sweet potatoes, etc.
Contact your extended family & guests. Most folks have e-mail these days and/or cell phones. You know who cooks and who doesn't. Give the napkins & candles to non-cooks. You'll have a great celebration without breaking the bank since everyone is bringing something!
Step 2

Grandparents

The situation: Grandparents have passed on.

Many families meet at Grandma's house for Thanksgiving. If this year has to be celebrated without Grandparents, changes will have to be made. Contact family members and find out who would like to host Thanksgiving and has enough room at their house for the usual number of guests & family. You might like to start the tradition at your house. State that you'd like to host Thanksgiving this year and maybe next year ask around again & take turns. Have each guest tell a wonderful memory they have of the Grandparents at dinner.
Step 3

hospital

The situation: Aging parents.

My parents cooked the Thanksgiving dinner for everyone and the tradition will change this year because of their recent health problems & advancing age. I am sure that many others are experiencing similar changes, also being "baby boomers". This year, a dear cousin & his wife have invited the family to their house. My Mother will be a guest at a holiday meal for the first time in decades. Times they are 'a-changing'.
Step 4

airfare costs

The situation: large travel distances separate those we love.

I have started a new tradition, having Thanksgiving with my in-laws who live close by. Traveling is costly: hotels, gas prices, airfare, time off work. Nice to send Thanksgiving greetings in the mail, send a flower centerpiece, or phone after dinner to speak to extended family while lots of those folks are together.
Step 5

pitter-patter of little feet

The situation: all the "kids" are adults.

There's a period of time in some families when all the kids aren't kids and the Thanksgiving dinner just doesn't seem the same without little ones. Dust off those old home movies after the football games finish up and show a now 30-something "baby" of the family's first day of Kindergarten or first school play! Add young neighbors or co-workers with little kids to your guest list.
Step 6

diet recipes

The situation: The typical Thanksgiving feast isn't diet friendly.

So many folks have special diets these days. Serious conditions, such as diabetes, call for lighter fare, less carbs, and little or no sugar. Check out some diabetic recipes and have 2-3 available for guests at Thanksgiving dinner. Many recipes have substitutions included for: omitting sugar and reducing fat, salt and calories. Try putting left-overs away after the meal so folks don't nibble all day & over-eat. Organize a nice long walk outside after the meal, weather permitting.
Step 7

co-workers

The situation: You have to work on Thanksgiving Day.

This has happened to most of us at least once. This year, our son is working on Thanksgiving Day so we are going to have to be flexible. Plan a day before or after the actual Holiday to get together. Give thanks, eat a nice meal and spend several hours together hanging out. Or, celebrate with co-workers. Post a sign-up sheet at work for a potluck or pass a hat ($5-$10 per person) and have a meal catered in.
Step 8

quiet time

The situation: Alone on Thanksgiving.

Sometimes being alone on Thanksgiving can't be avoided. Use this time to cook a nice meal for one, give thanks for it, and enjoy a quiet evening: reading, writing in your journal, phoning distance family members, & start writing out your Christmas cards, etc. You could also reach out in your community if you are alone on Thanksgiving. The elderly in nursing homes would LOVE to have your company! Check out a 24/7 diner, sit at the counter and chat up some others a bit lonesome on Thanksgiving.

Remember that Thanksgiving is one day and there's always next year. If this year's Thanksgiving Day changed, it's good to know that change is the one thing we all can count on. Nothing stays the same!!

Comments

nanamusicgirl said

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on 11/14/2009 Great article on Thanksgiving in changing times. Everybody has kids that are growing up and getting their own families. We have to split our time with the in-laws. It's just a way of life. This is very well written! Keep in touch. 5 stars*****

lighthouse1958 said

on 10/27/2009 Alot of very good advice on how to go through change on Thanksgiving Day. I just take one day as it comes. Nothing surprises me anymore. Have a laid back attitude and all will be well. Great aritcle, 5*