Festive Family Feasts
New Traditions
By Kat Kinsman
In an ideal world, holidays would stay fixed in time, stuck on endless replay at our happiest moment when everyone we love is present, smiling, with a full plate and a happy heart. No one would ever pass away, move away, split up, get sick, go off to war, have a cancelled flight or be kept away by shockingly spiked gas prices. Real life, however, is in a constant state of flux, and that's rarely made so poignant as during the holidays when most people are comfortable sticking to traditions. This year, try embracing a little bit of change. It might just embrace you back.
Invite a Stray
Most people have at some point been left at loose ends on a holiday, and presented with the option of either exploring opportunities or sulking alone. Make it easy on 'em and defuse any potential shyness by letting guests know how much their presence would enhance your gathering, and giving them a job to do. If they're convinced that your holiday dinner will be completely dismal if they don't show up with the yams, there's a mighty good chance they'll come -- and even have a dandy time.
Make Room for Newcomers
For all the bliss that new marriage brings, chances are that in the early years, at least one half of the couple will be giving up their usual holiday routine. The hosting side of the family can ease the transition by making space on the menu for the new spouse's must-have holiday dish, room on the schedule for observance of a holiday ritual they might like to share with their new in-laws, and a quiet space where they can duck out and check in with the folks who are no doubt missing them.
Raise a Toast
The absence of a loved one, due to military service, financial hardship, illness or death can often cast a pall over what should otherwise be a happy occasion. If it feels appropriate, have the assembled guests take a moment to acknowledge the missing family member or friend with a raised glass and a sweet remembrance. They'll feel the warmth, even if it's from a distance, and guests who are lucky enough to be present will know that if some year they can't make it, folks will remember them with a toast.
Invent a Ritual
There's great comfort in traditions, but they all had to start somewhere. Take a chance on a side dish, beverage or sweet treat from another culture. Read a brand new holiday story aloud, learn a new song or explore volunteering. If it's the right thing, you'll have something to look forward to next year.
Share Your Story
Have a family tradition you'd care to share? Post it in the comments below. You just might inspire someone.
Recent Comments
AimsJ001 11:52:00 PM Nov 30 2008
For Christmas, instead of another dinner...we have a Christmas Brunch. Only one child with children lives here so we go to her house around 11am and we each 3, bring food we have decided on previously, usually biscuits and ham, flavored butters, strawberry pancakes, bacon and mimosas and cokes. We open presents again for the kids and the adults (previously drawn names with a limit or pick girl/boy gifts with a limit) and then enjoy everybodies company with no stress!!!!
Percol0768 07:15:14 PM Nov 26 2008
Just wanted to say that I am so thankful that the posts are fun, loving and really sweet! Nice to see nice comments! Happy Thanksgiving..
Evee102 10:04:29 AM Nov 26 2008
My family is alll over the USA, so each year we "pick" the family out of hat and all must descend upon that family. It is so much fun...There are 5 children, my parents, and now my extended family wants in on it as well. The kids LOVE it....btw...Have a great Thanksgiving....There IS a lot to be thankful for!
Dianesmc 06:00:03 PM Nov 22 2008
We are Vegetarian and love to see your recipes thank you so very much
Gmaallen 10:49:20 AM Nov 22 2008
I was born on Thanksgiviing Day 1931, the depth of the "Great Depression." The town doctor was at the high school football game and wasn't happy being called out to deliver a baby! My mother cooked a turkey, that was raised in the house next door in Norwood, Massachusetts. The turkey lived in our basement for a few days before Thanksgiving and the older kids got to think of it as a "pet." Our dad was a gentle and tender hearted man and could not kill the turkey, so Mr. Popolo, our neighbor was called to do the job. He cut the head off! After dinner was served, Mom went upstair to the bedroom and delivered "me." J.N.Allen
Johnandkaren2 08:45:45 AM Nov 22 2008
every year we ask what you are thankful for this year i am giong to do it a little different .i am giong to chose someone and tell them what i think they should be thankful four. they might see it different thru someone elses eyes
Jbw7255 11:24:56 AM Nov 21 2008
In 1985, 4 months before our first grandchild was born, my family.....two sons, their wives, husband and I.....had informalpicture made of the group. Each year, on Thanksgiving, we gatheron our front porch before eating, and have another pic made. Ourden has 23 8x10 photos of the whole family on one wall.....33 10-x13 professional portraits of the grandchildren on another wall....and mixed, formal and informal, pics of our sons and their wives on another. Our den is REALLY a "family room"!!!! This has become our Thanksgiving tradition. jbw7255
Kfhrowe 11:09:50 AM Nov 21 2008
When my children started leaving home( and taking my Christmas ornaments with them) I started giving grandchildren special ornaments with the year, their names and mine written on them, at our family Thanksgiving celebration. Parents keep the ornaments with their Christmas tree stuff and the kids usually hang them on their family tree each year untill the kids leave home. Then the granndchildren have ornaments and memories to take with them for their own Christmas celebrations. If I have not gotten them ready for Thanksgivi, I hear about it.
Mckeown2000 07:28:51 AM Nov 18 2008
Before we eat everyone gathers in a circle and joins hands. We all sing "We Gather Together" then the host offers the Thanksgiving blessing. Then we set up the kids with their plates and get them settled at the kid table. After dinner everyone pitches in and cleans up. Then it's an afternoon of watching football, playing football and board games. Watch out if you try to take a nap; you might wake up with a shoe-polish mustache or sparkly purple fingernails.
Wedecor8 02:45:32 PM Nov 07 2008
After we finish our Thanksgiiving meal, the table is cleared and out comes the cookie dough. We spend the afternoon baking and decorating Christmas cookies. Some are for the kids, others are a bit naughty. We usually eat more dough than we bake, but have a good time, young and old.
