As a “journalist” I receive a number of media pitches every day. Lots of companies want media attention — and I am HAPPY to receive most of those pitches. I spent 15 years in PR. I know the business. I know the rules. I really try to be understanding and receptive. I recognize that PR people have a job to do. They have paying clients. But the unfortunate truth is that I hate some of these paying clients; or at least their pitches.
Thanksgiving is about family, friends, happiness and thankfulness. At least that’s my perception. I’m lucky; my memories are filled with too much food, tons of laughter, big crowds of family that love me and incredible food. Incredible, FATTENING food. It was the only day of the year my mother insisted on cooking from scratch.
If you read my “about me” section, you know that I had some issues about indulgence. Even so. There are a few days a year that we should be able to forget our troubles and indulge, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year’s Eve, 4th of July, Labor Day, Memorial Day, and Birthdays. If you have other days — tell me! Let’s count them too!
My point is the celebrations should be just that; celebrations. Practicing moderation other days of the year is something I had to learn; something everyone should learn. None the less; for a few days a year, we should be allowed to indulge; to celebrate without guilt. Major holidays are on the list.
So please stop sending me pitches for a 600 calorie or less Thanksgiving; a dairy free Thanksgiving, a Vegan Thanksgiving, a PETA friendly Thanksgiving, or any other Thanksgiving ideas that inspire guilt. For a few days a year, allow us all to celebrate without feeling guilt. Someone send me the ultimate 2,000 calorie per person menu ultimate celebration menu!
I don’t care that the Pilgrims didn’t eat Turkey. I recognize that we have idealized the relationship between Pilgrims and Indians; I know Columbus was anything but a Saint. Still, I like our country. I love the commercialized Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. I know our country isn’t perfect, but I’ve traveled enough to know it’s perfect for me.
On my Thanksgiving, there will be too many people for our condo; there will be too much food; there will not be a SINGLE fat free or vegan option, there will be too much wine; and if tradition holds there will be tons of laughter. We’ll have a celebration of friends, family and love. I wish you and yours the same!
Our menu for 9 people:
One 10 pound Butterball Turkey
Cornbread Sage StuffingApple
Sausage Stuffing
Mashed Potatoes
Turkey Gravy
Cranberry Sauce
Green Bean Cassarole
Kings Hawaiian Rolls
Cheese Course
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Pumpkin Cheesecake
(The following dishes were cut from the menu because at some point I had to recognize that I was trying to feed the entire building: roasted Brussels sprouts with pancetta; corn pudding; roasted asparagus; ginger/garlic brocolli; rice salad and a few others)
I’m thankful for my family, my cookware, the fact that people who never met me care to read my writing, living in a country that doesn’t force me to wear clothing that hides my face; religious freedom, my cute pain in the butt dog; my job and tons of other things I am not listing here. I’ve had so many moments of happiness (like getting email from one of my food writing heros) that I couldn’t begin to recount them. I wish you the same.
A fellow blogger recently wrote that people maintain a mask of perfection by only reporting the happy things in their life. I took pause to consider that. It’s partly true. It’s also partly what you choose to focus on. Like everyone — I’ve had my sad, angry and desperate moments in the past 12 months. I could focus on them. But I’d rather try to focus on all the things that made me smile. I’d rather be defined by my laughs and my triumphs than by my sadness. I hope that you feel the same. Smiles are more fun to remember than tears.
Happy Thanksgiving from the Whineaux, the IceJunkie (Bill); Tyler, Bernardo and our family!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Cheers!
Thanks for writing this post Dawn and enjoy your real food Thanksgiving!!!!
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