Thanksgiving traditions and your family

Entry #12, November 22, 2009

Your family and the traditions that surround Thanksgiving, live in families memories for a lifetime. Opening your home to loved ones and friends warms our hearts, and makes this season a worthwhile one. Here are some tips to help your Thanksgiving run smoothly and help keep the family traditions coming…

Preparing the meal:

• Potluck: Does the thought of preparing the Thanksgiving meal leave you apprehensive and a bit squeamish? How about doing a potluck style of meal? Ask each guest to bring a specific dish, and make the meal less menacing. Make a list of all the items you want to serve, ask guests if they have a preference or specialty they’d prefer to bring. Also ask them to bring a Thanksgiving memory from childhood, to share with everyone at the table!

• Finances: Some of us love to cook, but the price tag that goes along with it, we don’t love.  Grocery stores always have sales leading up to Thanksgiving. Take advantage of coupons, two-for-one sales, and other specials to make your money stretch further. Try preparing dishes in advance and freeze them. This will cut down on the cost all at once, and save you time when Thanksgiving day comes. If you feel comfortable asking, ask guests to pitch in money for the meal in advance, and you do the grocery shopping.

• Centerpieces: The table is the star of the show at Thanksgiving. Centerpieces can be elaborate floral arrangements, mixed with fall foliage,. They can be as simple as select pumpkins, gourds, and candles. Leaves picked up from the yard, and leaf place cards can add elegance, without sacrificing your wallet.

• Traditions: Through the years my children have made countless Thanksgiving arts and crafts that I still bring out every year! Have your children make holiday place mats, and decorations that they can feel part of this special time.

Are you children old enough to help in the kitchen? Pick a family recipe and tell the story of how you used to help make it when you were young. Start a new tradition, pick a new recipe and make it with your children. Family magazines, holiday television programs, and internet sites can give lots of ideas too!

Remember, it’s not about the food, it’s about you spending time with those you love, and giving thanks for them.

For more thanksgiving ideas on Stagetecture, click here.