Everyone Can Do Their Part
Tomorrow is Thanksgiving. For most people, this week has been full of preparation. Whether you’re the person in charge of the grocery shopping, or the one who has to brine and cook the turkey to perfection— just about everyone has something to do to prep for the big day.
You might be having 4 or 24 people over. It doesn’t matter how many guests are coming— it’s just as much work to cook all the vegetables, mash the potatoes, and prep the traditional dishes your family likes. I don’t know about your house, but every person coming to our house is showing up with something, which makes the overall prep so much easier. My mom is making the stuffing, Kim’s mom is bringing the mashed potatoes, and my aunt is in charge of the green bean casserole. Kim will also bake her famous cranberry bread (a recipe from her kindergarten teacher). She’ll brine the turkey today with a secret blend* of liquids and spices to create the most delicious flavor. And no Thanksgiving is complete without the perfect gravy, of course.
To be clear: not everyone has to cook something to feel like they are making a contribution to the Thanksgiving festivities. My son Charlie is responsible for the canned cranberry sauce and picking up the dinner rolls from the bakery. I’m not a very good cook, but I can decorate a table beautifully for our 13 guests. My sister-in-law is an artist and is making some festive place cards. We also have quite a clean-up crew of volunteers who will wash and dry the pile of pots and pans and plates before desert will be served.
Maybe you’re the person who has to travel this week. You might not be hosting the Thanksgiving dinner, but you’re tackling highway traffic or dealing with airport madness in order to get to your family on Thursday. That in and of itself is a contribution worth noting.
But if you’re reading this and feeling a bit inadequate because you just realized you aren’t doing much— and others seem to be doing a lot more— to prep for tomorrow, then here are a few ideas for you:
Call the hostess of your Thanksgiving Dinner today and ask if there is anything last-minute you can pick up on your way tomorrow that would make his or her life a little easier.
Order a floral centerpiece ASAP and bring it with you to add a festive touch to the table (note, your local grocery store might even offer these in a convenient, pre-made pickup area).
Offer to lead the family in a prayer of gratitude before dinner, or stand up and clink your glass and make the toast: acknowledge the hostess and be the first to share something you’re thankful for.
Are there going to be kids at Thanksgiving? Pick up some crayons, coloring books, or a simple craft to bring for them. Their parents will really appreciate the thoughtful contribution.
No matter what your role is, everyone can do their part to make Thanksgiving special. Simply show up with a generous heart. Don’t forget to compliment the people who did the cooking. And be adventurous: try a dish you’ve never tried before! Maybe this is the year that sweet potatoes with marshmallows become your new favorite?
Friends, it's Thanksgiving. We’ve all come a long way in the past 12 months. Give yourself a chance to relax, enjoy your family and friends, indulge in an extra piece of pie—and recognize everything you have to be grateful for.
Wishing you all a happy and festive Thanksgiving weekend!
This Week’s Resources
The Secret Turkey Brine Recipe
Why keep a recipe a secret*? You can find it right here from Ree Drummond (The Pioneer Woman) and it includes two key ingredients of whiskey and maple syrup: maple whiskey turkey brine
More than Just Football Champions
If you missed this football team’s story on the news this week, it’s a great reminder of the power of teamwork, overcoming adversity, and coming together to win a championship. Read about a completely deaf football team’s awesome season: deaf football teams victory
Pivoting from Turkey to Lasagna, With Love
Have you heard of this incredible organization that helps organize homemade lasagnas for people in need of some extra love and kindness? Lasagna Love is a non-profit that has given 100,000 lasagnas to families across the US. You can cook one yourself and deliver it, or you can donate to support their local chefs who’ll do the cooking for local families. Either way, who doesn’t love a home-cooked meal?
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