It's not that I'm not grateful. I am truly thankful for all of my blessings and I promise that once I stop brooding, I will focus on all the wonderful things I do have instead of what I'm missing. But it is hard. This time of year is always very stressful for me. I've been working around the clock, as has my husband. (He's even working today and all weekend long!) We're both under a lot of pressure and instead of feeling like were part of a collective production, we're both just sort of focusing on our own tasks. That doesn't really lend itself to the spirit of Thanksgiving at all. Instead, it just makes me miss my family immensely.
Thanksgiving was always such a bustling holiday in our home; with aunts and uncles galore, children running amok, and a warm, full house. On the other hand, my house is feeling chaotic in a different way. We've been on a building/painting/fix-up rampage this past month, so much of our furniture is pushed into the center of rooms, the tv is off the wall, the art is laying in stacks, tape and visqueen hang from the ceiling. And although my children are running amok because my husband is working all day, I have the honor of getting everything ready on my own. Good thing I like to cook! To top it off, there's the likelihood that my children will not eat anything I've made. So you see, it's the not the cheeriest of days.
At any rate, we've got to eat, so for my menu I decided to go the non-traditional route since nothing about this Thanksgiving feels like something I want to repeat. There will be no turkey, stuffing, pie or cranberry sauce. Instead, I'm making a handful of recipes that I've been wanting to try:
Zuni Roasted Chicken with Bread Salad
Domino Potatoes
Brussel Sprouts with Bacon + Shallot
Persimmon and Pomegranate Salad with Cumin-Lime Vinaigrette
Creamed, Fresh Corn
Pumpkin Chiffon Cake with Espresso Whipped Cream
One day, I hope we'll be able to start a proper Thanksgiving tradition, but until then, I'm going to crank up some tunes, put on my apron and remind myself that I am lucky. I have a family, jobs that I love, great children, awesome friends, food to cook, a house to live in, passion in life, my yoga practice, a beautiful garden, music, and my health.
(And on a brighter note, my family will be here for most of December, so I promise not to be a scrooge for much longer!)
Image credits: Smitten Kitchen, White on Rice, Ezra Pound Cake, Bon Appetit, LA Times.
6 comments:
Aw, I'm sorry that you're so pressurized. I know the feeling. It isn't a good one. It makes it hard to enjoy life in general.
Just getting my house clean and in order helped me to get into the holiday spirit. When stuff is disorganized and I have a ton to do I don't preform very well.
That meal sounds amazing. I hope the kids tried some.
Happy Thanksgiving.
That all sounds so delicious. How did it turn out? Did the kids eat any of it?
Thanks, friends! It actually turned out to be a pretty good holiday. My husband got home a little earlier than expected. The food turned out great and the children even tried a bite of everything. And to close the night out, we visited with friends which is always nice. In retrospect, I totally sounded like Downer Debby!
Who asked me to start being more real on here???? :D
Dude, I hear you. Loud and clear! Thankfully, I didn't have to prepare more than bread this Thanksgiving, b/c this lady has no time for anything more. Ugh! Glad it was all delicious, though... not surprised :)
I'm just reading this (obviously way after the fact... during the entire week of tg- & the week after, i have been in total "chaos mode" & offline for the most part)... and I know it ended up well for you (good!), but I am beginning to feel the exact same way about this particular holiday. This is the last year that we will continue to host/have the "traditional" thanksgiving. We'll still celebrate- most likely with the turkey, mashed potatoes, & pie... but DEFINITELY with some new traditions :). (ALL of the dishes look deeeeeeeelish.)
p.s. thank you for 'keepin' it real =). i like it.
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