Thanksgiving Week

 

One of the busiest weeks of the year is upon us.

Today we tackled the market: our grocery cart groaned under its burden, as we filled it with recipe ingredients and end-cap two-for-one specials. As the cash register total rose, we reminded ourselves of our blessings.

The checklist continues: pulling the turkey out of the freezer to begin its days-long thaw, tidying the house for a holiday guest, baking and making do-ahead dishes, and placing fresh flowers on the mantel.

Our Thanksgiving menu is traditional: roast turkey, dressing, special mashed potatoes (a family secret), a gussied-up sweet potato bake, green bean casserole (this year’s version a treat with frozen green beans from my garden and baby Bella mushrooms), cranberry-orange relish, Parker House rolls spread with Kerrygold Irish butter, turkey gravy, and pumpkin pie.

On Black Friday, we always avoid the shopping crush and head to a local Christmas tree farm. The Thanksgiving visitor, our able-bodied young nephew, will do the honors of hauling the fir home in his pickup truck, hefting it up the stairs, into the tree stand, and topping the pine with its obligatory star.

We will take advantage of his might and implore him to bring the tree decorations up from the basement storage. There may be a minor repair or two in his future (he’s a carpenter by trade). In return, we’ll treat him to a fine-dining weekend meal and pack his vehicle with leftovers.

After he departs, we’ll tackle the remainder of the seasonal decor: the Nativity creche on the mantel, a holiday village on the staircase ledge, and outdoor lights.

What are your Thanksgiving plans? Will you spend it with friends or family? Does the week include braving holiday travel, or will you be at home?

You can follow the Author on her Website or X.