Thanksgiving. The word alone conjures up some incredibly warm and fuzzy feelings. Whether it’s about family or food, we all have memories and traditions linked to this one particular holiday. Below are some of my favorite memories from Thanksgivings past that I’ve shared with my family over the years.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The morning of, I love waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. I CANNOT miss any of the Broadway Musicals. Not one. In recent years I’ve even seen friends performing in featured musical numbers in the famous Harold Square. For me, though, it all comes down to the very end when Santa makes his appearance. I still get teary-eyed when I see him. It’s always been so magical - even as an adult. Several years back I was lucky enough to see the parade in person. We woke up at 3:00 am, in the freezing cold to get a good seat; Quickly realizing that the best seat in the house is and always will be on the couch in front of the TV. Seeing it in person, although pretty neat, isn’t as magical without the special camera angles and Christmas music.
Mom’s Menus
A week or so before the big dad, my Mom, and I would go through past Thanksgiving menus. She has a file where she keeps all of our past holiday meals (with pictures) and comments on whether we liked them or not and even where the food was positioned on the plate, for reference for next year, of course. We tend to stick with the classic sides but have toyed around with something other than turkey - like surf and turf or cheesy stuffed pork chops. Even though we might not eat turkey as our main we always have a breast or two ready to go for sandwiches later on. It’s totally normal to have a post-Thanksgiving dinner sandwich, right? As if we'd all forgotten how full were just were.
My Evolving Contribution
As a kid, I was in charge of the cranberry side (literally just opening the can and sliding that gelatinous mound onto a plate) and baking the classic Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (the adult version of “pop goes the weasel”). As an adult, however, I’ve expanded my cooking skills and have contributed everything from Garlic Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes (honestly THE BEST!!), Apple and Onion Stuffin’ Muffin’s (family favorite), and Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Barley (I add bacon, because, who wouldn't?).
Now that I’m a Mother I look forward to creating my own Thanksgiving traditions with my family. Of course, I’ll pull from the ones I already know and cherish but being able to experience it all through the eyes of my son is incredibly exciting.
Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
The morning of, I love waking up to watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. I CANNOT miss any of the Broadway Musicals. Not one. In recent years I’ve even seen friends performing in featured musical numbers in the famous Harold Square. For me, though, it all comes down to the very end when Santa makes his appearance. I still get teary-eyed when I see him. It’s always been so magical - even as an adult. Several years back I was lucky enough to see the parade in person. We woke up at 3:00 am, in the freezing cold to get a good seat; Quickly realizing that the best seat in the house is and always will be on the couch in front of the TV. Seeing it in person, although pretty neat, isn’t as magical without the special camera angles and Christmas music.
Mom’s Menus
A week or so before the big dad, my Mom, and I would go through past Thanksgiving menus. She has a file where she keeps all of our past holiday meals (with pictures) and comments on whether we liked them or not and even where the food was positioned on the plate, for reference for next year, of course. We tend to stick with the classic sides but have toyed around with something other than turkey - like surf and turf or cheesy stuffed pork chops. Even though we might not eat turkey as our main we always have a breast or two ready to go for sandwiches later on. It’s totally normal to have a post-Thanksgiving dinner sandwich, right? As if we'd all forgotten how full were just were.
My Evolving Contribution
As a kid, I was in charge of the cranberry side (literally just opening the can and sliding that gelatinous mound onto a plate) and baking the classic Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (the adult version of “pop goes the weasel”). As an adult, however, I’ve expanded my cooking skills and have contributed everything from Garlic Goat Cheese Mashed Potatoes (honestly THE BEST!!), Apple and Onion Stuffin’ Muffin’s (family favorite), and Brussels Sprouts with Cranberry and Barley (I add bacon, because, who wouldn't?).
Now that I’m a Mother I look forward to creating my own Thanksgiving traditions with my family. Of course, I’ll pull from the ones I already know and cherish but being able to experience it all through the eyes of my son is incredibly exciting.