Stressing over Thanksgiving, anyone else?

[Kathy2m]

I lost my father 10 years ago halloween. We always had a huge FAMILY Thanksgiving, The first one after my father died was like a wake, no one could even eat. We had all the traditions the baked bird, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberries, the china and crystal, all the women in the kitchen with my father. He was the life of the party. Continuing the tradition has been very hard and stressful, so many tears, when I stuff the bird, when it goes in the oven, when it comes out, when we pop the cork on the Austi (the only time I drink), when we toast the bird. One tradition my Dad started was the newest grandbaby got a picture with the turkey leg. So I decided to change it up a bit and deep fry the turkey, my husband will do it and I will cook casseroles that can be made in advance so I can spend time with the people I love, and that will make it less stressful for me. I had to make new memories. I will shed a few tears this Thanksgiving because I have my first Grandbaby to get the Turkey leg but I know my Dad will be smiling down on us all. Happy Thanksgiving to all...Kathy

 

[DunPainted]

Our family's holiday events were always frightening....never knew who was gonna start a fight. No, there was never any alcohol in our home...EVER.

Being the youngest and seeing all the turmoil, I wished the adults (who usually were the generators of the altercations) had a glass of wine. Not an entire bottle like many folks consume........JUST A GLASS!

Having lived in Europe (Switzerland) where a glass of red or white wine is served with dinner, it's not a big "thing" and folks don't set out to get drunk...generally. Even in French restaurants, children are served a small glass of red wine with their dinner. Freaked me out....but it was just the course of a family dining experience in that culture.

In the Bible, Paul the apostle implored Timothy to have a bit of wine to help his stomach. Doctors have studied what they call "The French Paradox"....eating rich foods with red (not white) wine, yet the French haven't the cholesterol or obesity problems we have in the States.

I'm not advocating that everyone should serve wine, as many folks' guests cannot stop with "just one". However, please don't pass judgment on those of us that may have one glass to celebrate the occasion with our meal.

P.S. - If I were to have my family over for ANY holiday, rest assured it would take a doctor's prescription for a super sedative to get me through the day. "The Bottle" just wouldn't put a dent in relieving the stress.

 

[Bluebell]

Sounds like fun Marty.

Just me and hubby for Thanksgiving here. But we still have lots to be Thankful for.

1 son recovering from surgery, 1 son & wife in Iraq, 1 daughter working, 1 daughter going to her in-laws, 1 son & wife going to her parents another daughter working.