Thanksgiving traditions

Admin · Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:07 am Post subject: Thanksgiving traditions

Traditions, everyone has them, and they are the forefront of civilization. Tradition is what tells us to go to our parents’ house for dinner on Thanksgiving, or when to open presents on Christmas. One thought that always comes up for new couples around the holidays is what changes to make. Most people are used to the traditions that their family has held while they were growing up. The lucky couples have traditions that play into each other, or move away and just start their own thing. Most of us are still left asking the question: When do my traditions start?

With our family we usually end up at my parents’ house on Thanksgiving and on a conference call with her folks. This year we decided that we should start our own tradition for our girls. We are doing Thanksgiving at our house this year, and everyone is coming. We have all picked our special dish that is our tradition to make.

The worst part of starting new traditions is someone is going to feel left out or hurt. How do you get around this? Some families it is easier just to do your own thing. Some must incorporate multiple families. These days you might even spend more time on the road bouncing from one house to the next. I have a friend that does thanksgiving the weekend before. This way they can do their own thing, but still not get pounded by the food from both families and still have their own. Best of all, no one gets left out.

Once you figure out scheduling and the side hassles, there are still the questions of what to prepare. The most common tradition is Turkey, Potatoes, Ham, Rolls… Some eat Ham or Pork instead of Turkey. Some change out the meat for veggies.

No matter what you do on Thanksgiving, relax! Don’t forget what it is really about, and try not to get upset when things change.

Please join us to help other couples make that decision. Post your traditions and suggestions on the easiest changes. (Recipes couldn’t hurt either)

God Bless and Happy Thanksgiving.

churchdude · Newbie Joined: Nov 17, 2006 Posts: 22 Status: **Offline**

Growing up we had a small family of four. We were always moving so usually it was just us for the holidays. Never the less we always had a great feast for Thanksgiving. Mom usually made us dress up. I remember one year we went skiing and did dinner in the lodge.

We have since settled down a bit, and my Wife and I have started our own family. Of course we can’t leave out the rest of the family so we take turns gathering around the table at each others’ houses. This year it is our turn to host Thanksgiving. This just seemed easier with the girls and all.

The big thing for me is the Turkey. I will get up early in the morning and prepare the turkey and get it cooking and go back to bed. Then of course set the alarm clock so I can get up every so often to baste the turkey. I have outlined below how to make the perfect turkey.

INGREDIENTS
• 1 (18 pound) whole turkey, neck and giblets removed
• 8 cups prepared stuffing
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS
1. Thaw the bird as recommended by the maker. I will usually leave it in the fridge for about 4 days to a week depending on size.
2. Set oven rack to the lowest position so the turkey will fit.
3. Preheat the oven to 325 F or 165 C.
4. Rinse the turkey and pat dry.
5. Place in a large roasting pan and loosely fill the cavity with stuffing (loosely as the stuffing may expand, also makes it easier to remove).
6. Rub butter all over the outside, and season with salt and pepper (or favorite turkey rub).
7. Use a large sheet of aluminum foil to make a tent over the bird. This is important as it will help to keep the bird moist and takes it longer to brown the skin.
8. Place in the preheated oven.
9. Baste the turkey every 45 minutes for the first two hours. Then every 20 – 30 minutes until it has cooked for about 3 ½ hours. Baste every 5 – 10 minutes until it is finished.
10. It should only take 4 ½ - 5 hours to cook, but make sure you cook it all the way making sure the temperature is about 180 F or 82 C. It is generally a good idea to test it every other time you baste in the last hour.