Many of us look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday as "a day of rest" -- a day to break the routine and do something different for a change. Not everyone wants to cook and clean on their day off... even if it IS traditionally expected to be that way.
For generations,Thanksgiving has been a day of rest for men. Sleep late, watch football, eat, nap, watch some more football, eat some more. That’s a pretty good tradition if you can get away with it.
Men are the eaters -- the ones who compliment the women and validate their hard work with their hearty consumption.
Women, I say it’s time for us to call it a holiday, too. Let someone else do the baking and basting.
Sure, I realize that this concept is too radical for some of you. You feel like it’s your duty and you probably tell yourself that you truly enjoy slaving for days preparing for a meal that will disappear in about 15 minutes.
In addition to all of the time and energy that go into the big meal, the price of groceries is also a huge consideration.
I come from a family with a long history of the traditional Thanksgiving meal. For many years parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins all descended on my grandparents’ house for the big day. My grandmother would roast the turkey just right and fix her delicious cornbread dressing with ALL of the trimmings. I still remember her waiting and watching my grandfather take the first bite of dressing to let her know if she had added enough sage.
For her it was all about fixing everyone’s favorites and making certain that no one would leave her table hungry.
No one ever did.
Life never stays the same. For me, those wonderful Thanksgivings at my grandparents’ home didn't just take place at the table. It was about the closeness of family and having everyone together for a day of sharing. Those were truly the best of times for us.
For a number of years my own parents hosted Thanksgivings and we enjoyed continuing the holiday tradition with all the same delicious recipes. However, several years ago my Mother and I decided the day could be spent doing other things besides being held captive by a turkey.
We would save up our energy and cooking talents for a big Christmas family dinner.
So, a new tradition was born -- our ‘Thanksgiving Adventure.” We have yet to find the perfect restaurant Thanksgiving meal, but the quest has turned out to be quite enjoyable.
The National Restaurant Association tells us that:
11% of Americans had their Thanksgiving dinner at a restaurant last year.
53% of Americans supplement their Thanksgiving meals with food prepared away from home.
Younger adults are more likely to use restaurant takeout items as part of their Thanksgiving dinner at home.
Those living in smaller households and households without children are more likely to dine out on Thanksgiving.
Let’s give thanks to all of the area restaurants who keep their doors open on Thanksgiving Day!
There are a number of restaurants in Wichita that will be serving up Thanksgiving fare. And in Augusta, Tim and the gang at Red Brick Grill will be offering a delicious feast from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
It doesn’t get any easier than that! You still have time to make plans and reservations.
So, ladies think about it -- with a new tradition, you can have less stress and actually spend more time visiting with your family and friends, watch a movie, take a nap. The possibilities are endless.
There is one more thing to consider about eating Thanksgiving dinner out...no leftovers and no turkey “mystery” casseroles.
