For as long as I can remember, I have been the one in charge of preparing extravagant Thanksgiving feasts. I’ve hosted countless holiday dinners and often collaborated with family or friends. As a self-proclaimed crafting enthusiast, I’ve stayed up late the night before Thanksgiving creating intricate decorations and themed treats. Each year, I exhaust myself, splurging on unique ingredients to impress my guests. I’m still unsure what to do with that bottle of sumac gathering dust in my spice cabinet. From currying Brussels sprouts to tempering eggs for a delicate sweet potato custard, I always seem to overdo it. But for what purpose?
Honestly, I can’t recall a Thanksgiving that hasn’t left me utterly drained and financially burdened. It’s no surprise that I typically come down with a nasty illness right after the holiday. I believe it’s because I’m simply worn out.
So, this year? I’m dining out. And I couldn’t be more thrilled about it.
I used to be one of those people who would never consider such a thing. The idea of eating at a restaurant on a holiday felt like a betrayal, as I believed the point of Thanksgiving was to gather with loved ones at home. I would scoff at those making reservations, but now, I understand their appeal.
After being sidelined by a severe case of bronchitis last December, I had plenty of time to reflect. I resolved never to put myself through that kind of misery again on Thanksgiving. I enjoy cooking, but I’ve been acting like a full-time caterer. While I chose to take on this workload, it stemmed from unrealistic expectations I set for myself about the holiday. Yet it never lived up to those ideals because I was always too exhausted and irritable by the end of the day to enjoy it.
This year, I’m genuinely looking forward to a restaurant meal. I plan to sit back, relax, and let someone else do the cooking for a change. No more frantic trips to the grocery store or battling crowds. I can finally enjoy my favorite Thanksgiving movie, “Planes, Trains, and Automobiles,” without spending hours cleaning up burnt dishes. I usually invest a couple of hundred dollars on food for one meal, and I’ve realized I’ll actually save money by eating out. With the extra cash, I might treat myself to a nice outfit or even a manicure, instead of ruining my nails doing the dishes for a large gathering.
Someone else can create the pumpkin-shaped cheeseball, while I enjoy the Macy’s Day Parade with a cup of spiced coffee. I’ll toss a football with my daughter, free from the stress of trussing and basting a turkey. I might even indulge in a long, vanilla-scented bubble bath before heading out.
Of course, I’ll miss my family, but I won’t miss Uncle Jerry’s casserole or Aunt Barb’s gelatin mold. Honestly, can’t we have a vegetable that isn’t from a can? Because I’ll be ordering from a menu, I can choose what I actually want to eat, and I might even skip the turkey altogether in favor of fish.
What I won’t miss? Uncle Jim’s political rants. Since 2016, family gatherings have shifted from light-hearted conversations to heated debates about politics. It’s not enjoyable. If I want to hear a shouting match about policies, I’ll watch the news. On Thanksgiving, I want to savor my mashed potatoes and have light conversations, not endure family drama.
Dining out means I won’t have to witness my cousins almost getting into fights over immigration. No one will leave in tears due to anxiety over family disagreements. I’m not interested in that chaos, and my dinner reservations will protect me from the family drama. I’ll simply enjoy a glass of crisp sauvignon blanc and the beautiful view.
Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and this year, I’m most thankful for the opportunity to dine out. By stepping back from the stress, the mess, and complicated family dynamics (not to mention those casseroles), I’m allowing myself to truly celebrate the holiday on my own terms.
If you’re considering making the switch to dining out this year too, check out this insightful blog post for more ideas. For those looking into home insemination options, Make a Mom is an excellent authority on the subject, and you can find great resources at CDC’s ART page.
In summary, this Thanksgiving, I’m trading the chaos of cooking for the joy of dining out. It’s time for me to enjoy the holiday without the stress, and I can’t wait to celebrate in a more relaxed setting.