... is a day for letting go.
Ryan enjoys cooking and has been pestering politely asking me for several years if I thought maybe we could have Thanksgiving at his house. I've always said that it's my favorite holiday because it's just about good food and good company, with no extra pressure for gifts. I really do love Thanksgiving leftovers, even more than the meal itself, so I've always said, "That's okay, we'll just have Thanksgiving here."
But this is the year I've finally let it go. After a lively group text with Justin and Ryan, we decided that dinner will be at Ryan's. I will still be making a couple of pies, apple crisp, and crescent rolls, and Jess is bringing macaroni & cheese and Brussels sprouts. (Those are two different dishes!) Ryan is doing everything else, and I'm happy about it. I may have to bring home a piece of pie so I can have my traditional day-after-Thanksgiving pumpkin pie with too much whipped cream for breakfast, but I think Ryan will be okay with that.
Sometimes it's good to let go and do something a bit different.
Good for you! This is a huge thing to "let go" and it can't have been easy! I hope this brings a new level of enjoyment for you and Ryan!! I talked with my son over the weekend... they are thinking they will have a "minimal" Turkey day because they will be "maximal" on everything else (perhaps to the point of overwhelm... he is really worried about the "all" of twins!) He was looking for suggestions for "quick and easy" things so I shared some ideas with him. I also suggested that his mother in law (who he fears has permanently moved in) might be just the person to do a bit of cooking!
ReplyDeleteThanksgiving is my favorite for these same reasons, but I also have never had to do all the cooking (other than 2020, but then I was cooking only for the three of us and my brother and sister-in-law, who stopped by to drop off/pick up food). I'm sure Ryan will be happy to send you home with pie for breakfast, and I hope you can enjoy having a little less responsibility!
ReplyDeleteI have not cooked Thanksgiving dinner in years! Sometimes I miss it, but our house is way too small to invite everyone (Mailing's family too) and I enjoy the ease of just making some pies and chutney's. I may throw in an appetizer this year, but time will tell. I do miss the left overs, but I have started buying a small turkey or just a turkey breast that I will cook later. I think it is so nice that Ryan wants to host and I know your dinner will be delicious!
ReplyDeleteI keep waiting for Brian and Lauren to offer to host Thanksgiving (they both love to cook -- and they finally have a dining table. . . ), but, alas. Not yet. Like you, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday (for the same reasons you gave) . . . and I really do enjoy the hosting. But maybe someday I'll probably give it up, too.
ReplyDeleteI think that is a wonderful idea. All the joy without all the work.
ReplyDeleteAs with many things, I used to dread Thanksgiving cooking because I had to do it all. It was John's favorite holiday, and he made lots of trips into the kitchen to keep up with the progress during the two days I spent cooking. Now I have nothing to dread and none of the joy. Having whined that out loud, I do plan to enjoy the downtime this year. And like you, I will miss all those leftovers! It was always an embarressment of riches. I think you should take a pie with your piece already removed - tee hee.
ReplyDeleteI gave all the holidays up to my kids. We're just too far for them to travel to now that they have little ones so we pack up and head to their houses. They each take a turn. I make my own dinner the day after so I have leftovers.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a great arrangement, including making your own leftovers!
DeleteI long for the day when Hannah hosts Thanksgiving but I don't see it happening any time soon. I'm proud of you for accepting this change and I hope it creates a wonderful new holiday tradition for your family. And you definitely need to bring home pie for breakfast!
ReplyDeleteSorry for an anonymous comment, something changed recently with blogspot and I keep forgetting I have to login now.
DeleteHow sweet of you to turn over the hosting of Thanksgiving dinner to Ryan. I imagine he feels quite honored that you would do this. Wherever you gather, you will be together and that is worth a lot. And yes, do bring home a piece of pie for Friday's breakfast. (Maybe make your own whipped cream at home. I like a dollop in my coffee on Thanksgiving.) The rolls look beautiful and I love the last photo.
ReplyDeleteyay for someone else hosting!!! My nephew is hosting Christmas Eve for the first time instead of my sister, we are all excited. Have fun!!
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