For as long as I can remember, I’ve been the one in the kitchen preparing elaborate Thanksgiving feasts. I’ve hosted countless gatherings, sharing the workload with family and friends. As my friends would call me the Craft Queen, I’d often find myself up late the night before Thanksgiving, making intricate breadstick cornucopias and turkey-shaped treats using mini peanut butter cups. Each year, I end up exhausted, spending way too much on exotic ingredients for fancy dishes—like that bottle of sumac that’s been sitting in my spice cabinet for ages. I’ve juggled curried Brussels sprouts and macerated cranberries while ensuring I don’t burn the pine nuts, all while tempering eggs for a sweet potato custard. I always seem to go overboard, and I can’t help but wonder—why?
I can hardly remember a Thanksgiving that hasn’t left me utterly drained and broke. It’s no surprise that I often end up catching a nasty cold right after the holiday. I think it’s just the sheer exhaustion catching up with me.
So, this year? I’m breaking tradition and heading out to a restaurant for Thanksgiving. I’m genuinely thrilled about it!
I used to be one of those people who would never even consider dining out on such a significant holiday. In my mind, a restaurant meal was sacrilege—Thanksgiving was all about being with family, and eating out felt like missing the point. I used to look down on those who made reservations for Thanksgiving, but here I am, joining their ranks. I finally understand.
Last December, I was laid up with a nasty case of bronchitis, which gave me plenty of time to reflect. I realized I would never again allow myself to be miserable during Thanksgiving. I deserve to enjoy the holiday too! While I enjoy cooking, I’ve been treating it like a full-time job. I’d set unrealistic expectations for myself about what Thanksgiving should be, and it never lived up to those ideals because I was always too worn out to enjoy it.
I’ve never looked forward to a restaurant meal as much as I do this year. I’m ready to kick back and let someone else do the cooking for a change. No more frantic trips to the grocery store or dealing with long lines. I can finally watch my favorite Thanksgiving movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” without worrying about cleaning burnt marshmallows from the baking dish. Typically, I spend a small fortune on food for just one meal, but I’ve calculated that dining out will actually save me money. I plan to spend that extra cash on a nice outfit, maybe even treat myself to a manicure since I won’t be washing dishes for a crowd.
I won’t have to worry about someone else attempting a pumpkin-shaped cheeseball with a celery stalk, either. I can enjoy the Macy’s Day Parade in peace while sipping spiced coffee. After that, I’ll toss a football with my daughter instead of fretting about whether my expertly brined turkey will turn out dry. I might even indulge in a long bubble bath before heading out.
Sure, I’ll miss my family, but I won’t miss Uncle Joe’s casserole dishes or Aunt Lisa’s gelatin salads. Seriously, can’t we have a vegetable that isn’t drowning in cream soup? Since I’ll be ordering from a menu, I’ll be able to choose what I want, and I can guarantee that turkey won’t be on my plate. I might even go rogue and order fish just for fun!
And let’s not even get started on the political debates that seem to overshadow family gatherings these days. Since 2016, every dinner conversation has turned into a heated discussion about politics, which is anything but enjoyable. If I want to hear people arguing about policies, I’ll just switch on the news. On Thanksgiving, I prefer savoring my mashed potatoes and engaging in light-hearted banter about my latest favorite show on Amazon.
Dining out means I can avoid the family drama that often ensues. No more witnessing my relatives nearly come to blows over immigration or someone storming out in tears. I don’t have time for that nonsense; my dinner reservations will shield me from all the chaos. They can argue all they want—I’ll be enjoying a refreshing glass of sauvignon blanc while soaking in the atmosphere.
Thanksgiving is ultimately about gratitude, and this year, I’m most thankful that I’m choosing to dine out. By stepping away from the chaos, stress, and family dynamics, I’m allowing myself the chance to truly celebrate the holiday on my own terms. If you’re looking for more insights about home insemination and related topics, check out this blog post or visit this authority on the topic for more information. Another great resource to consider is this excellent guide for understanding pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, I’m looking forward to a stress-free Thanksgiving this year. Dining out will allow me to relax, enjoy good food, and skip the drama, all while creating happy memories with my loved ones.