Editor’s Note: This column originally published Nov. 10, 2014.
So, it’s happened. Halloween ended and the commercialization of Christmas rolled right in, waving its pine-scented hand and shaking its lighted booty.
Say it with me — this will continue to happen every year. We shouldn't sweat it.
For those with Christmas trees already decking the halls — great. For those scrooging about — why?
I’m not going to get into a celebrating our differences stance, but when someone chooses to start embracing the holidays has zero impact on me. I don’t lose any sleep at night about who has all of their shopping done, who has their tree up and who is already listening to holiday tunes.
But I will say this — let's remember Thanksgiving. Let's be grateful and count our blessings.
It's a tall order isn't it? After daylight savings takes effect I sometimes lose motivation and feel a little sluggish. This is usually demonstrated by changing into my pajamas before 6 p.m. It's dark and cold out — tell me you don't do it.
You know what can get you motivated? Offering to host your family Thanksgiving.
This year will mark the first time we've hosted the big shebang, though it should be a laid back affair with an average number of guests.
This is not to say I haven’t cooked Thanksgiving dinner before. Miraculously, I have. A couple of years ago my husband came down with strep throat the day before Thanksgiving. With plans to visit my brother’s home and to create a lavish green bean casserole from scratch, it became clear on the eve of Thanksgiving our plans would change.
Even if we were going to be stranded at home, our kids certainly needed a traditional turkey dinner. I insisted on it.
The problem, however — I don’t cook. Not well, anyway. I’ve been blessed and cursed with some amazing cooks in my life. My mother is brilliant in the kitchen. She can blow you away with something as simple as a cold meat sandwich. My husband is the primary cook in our household because he’s also quite savvy in the kitchen, and he genuinely enjoys it. As for me, I’m most comfortable cooking meals like spaghetti and sloppy joes.
However, when a family emergency is afoot, I'm your gal.
If you've ever wondered if you can find a thawed, organic turkey the night before Thanksgiving, the answer is yes. You can. Everything else you need is also readily available, and there are few others that do their shopping at this time.
Having never prepared such a feast, I was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The turkey was moist, I had all the fixings, and it was all quite tasty. I even made the extravagant green bean casserole recipe, which included deep frying onions for the topping.
In the end my husband pulled himself from bed and ate a little with the kids and me. It’s become one of those satisfying Thanksgiving memories, even though it was somewhat frustrating at the time. It’s similar to when my brother’s kitchen suffered a minor fire during a Thanksgiving gathering. It was extinguished quickly, but still required my brother to wave a broom steadily in front of the smoke detector for some time.
I think what I love most about this prelude to Christmas is the opportunity to embrace gratitude, and perhaps consider how we might make a difference in other people’s lives.
Getting caught up in the commercialization bit, even by letting it frustrate us, is just a distraction. I’m excited to make some new memories this year and spend some time with our loved ones. And that’s something for which I am truly grateful.
Contact Abigail Pelzer
at apelzer@newtondailynews.com