When we think of Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally drift to traditional roast turkey, pumpkin pie, and family gatherings. But if the holiday feels more like a tired list of ho-hum obligations rather than an energizing way to revel in your blessings, maybe it’s time to revolutionize your Thanksgiving this year.
Eat this, not that
“Thanksgiving is absolutely one of our favorite holidays, especially in terms of food,” says Caroline King, a mom of six children, ranging in age from four to 16. But, no one in the family really likes turkey all that much. “We spent years mak-ing the traditional feast, but always had a second or third ‘main side’ for the kids and that was just silly,” she says. King says her husband Rich does most of the cooking and decided one year to punt the turkey and try a roast pork tenderoin with chipotle wine sauce instead. “Everyone loved it – the adults and the kids. Now, it’s our go-to for Thanksgiving,” she says.
Choose your own adventure
Jocelyn Chilvers says she and her hus-band Jim enjoy being spontaneous and cre-ative with the holiday. “It also helps that we like all kinds of food and find no appeal in eating the same dishes year after year,” Chilvers says. With families more far-flung than ever, not everyone is able to get together with extended family for the holiday. That’s one reason the Chilvers’ family chooses to surround themselves with good friends instead.For over 10 years, they’ve invited friends and neighbors over for a “Turkey Fry Open House” in their backyard from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving day.
“We set up a turkey fryer on our lawn or driveway, away from any structures, and use a piece of drywall – pro tip! – as a base to catch any spills,” Chilvers says. The couple sends out invitations about two to three weeks in advance and friends can select a time when they’d like to fry their turkey or, in some cases, their chicken, game hen, or duck. Many guests show up just to socialize and enjoy beverages and light appetizers, often bringing their own foods to share. “This varies from cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit in the morning to stuffed jalape-ños and bruschetta in the afternoon,” Chilvers says. “It’s a very fluid event with folks coming and going throughout the day.”
No bluffing, baby
Some friendly competition in the form of board games and card games can bring generations of family members together. Anita Smith, a mom of two, says that she and her family like to play Texas Hold ‘Em each year after the big meal.Among the roughly 30 guests who attend the family’s annual Thanksgiving, about 10 like to circle around the card table to play a few hours of low stakes poker. “The big pot might be $3, but we act like it’s $500,” laughs Smith.The conversation and camaraderie make the game extra special. “It’s fun because it crosses all genera-tions,” she says. “We have the 80-year-olds, those of us in our 40s, and the kids playing.” Smith’s sons, Evan (15) and Collin (12), are the youngest players at the table.
She says that the game offers a natural segue into conversations between the older family members and her children. “My kids get to know them, their personalities, and stories from way back when.”
Fire up holiday spirit
Stacey Moorehead, a mom of six girls, says she and a group of families started the tradition of “Friendsgiving” five years ago on the day before Thanksgiving. The event is a fun way for the families to kick off the entire holiday season. The group gathers together with fall soups and foods, and the kids take part in a candy cane hunt. “Our many, many children all have a great time playing and running in our friends’ large backyard until the real show begins,” Moorehead says.The much anticipated “real show” is a fireworks event at a local lake. “We all load up, bundle up, pack hot chocolate and candy canes, and spend the evening watching fireworks,” Moorehead says. After that, the caravan drives through a Christmas in the Park holiday lights dis-play set to festive music at a nearby camp-ground. “What better way to start the holiday than with friends who truly are family,” she says.
You rebel, you
Families change and grow. Often what once worked well no longer makes sense for any number of reasons. Maybe you’re sick of making candied yams every year that no one eats. Or you daydream of skipping the cooking and cleaning for a relaxing family vacation on the beach instead.“It seems that a lot of people live under unrealistic expectations, especially when it comes to holidays,” King says. “The focus needs to be on family celebrating what they are thankful for, not to be stressed out that the green beans aren’t up to snuff. Make food that makes you happy, make your own traditions. At the end of the day, you will remember the laughs and time spent together.”
So go ahead and resist! Rather than running yourself into the ground chasing society’s prescribed picture-perfect holiday, create a meaningful Thanksgiving tailored just for your special crowd. You will be grateful you did.
CHRISTA MELNYK HINES loves spending Thanksgiving at home with her family. One year, she tried quitting the cranberry sauce that slides out looking like the can, but her husband rebelled. Holiday rogues must choose their battles wisely.