Change the Menu

I am very thankful... and I love Thanksgiving.

My husband loves to cook, and he is amazing at doing so! Thanksgiving is our holiday of comfort food, spending family time together and - of course - the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

Thanksgiving used to be hectic. We would rush from my family's dinner to Chad's family's dinner. We had no time to relax and catch up, and frankly, it was pretty exhausting.

I'm not judging anyone who currently goes through this schedule on Thanksgiving... unfortunately, it's become quite "normal" for the holiday. And some of my friends even enjoy the hustle, bustle and rush.

Growing up, Thanksgiving dinners included turkey, mashed potatoes, and naturally, green bean casserole. However, as I grew older and enjoyed more interesting side dishes, I began to wonder why sometimes people fall into habits of the menu. Do they get lazy? Are they afraid to try something new? Would it destroy the timeline to have everything on the table at once? Do they enjoy cooking or has it become just a labor that they do?

Since there are three of us, we don't have to buy the "big bird." Chad buys a turkey breast, de-bones it (I swear, I am also thankful I did not grow up on a farm!) and stuffs it. The favourites are smoked gouda, proscuitto and asparagus. Honestly, I don't know what any of our grandmothers think about this. My maternal grandma ate it with us one Thanksgiving and did say that it was good... but I know our families think we're a little "fancy" with food sometimes.

So here's the thing - I challenge any Thanksgiving hosts/hostesses out there to try something new this holiday. I'm not saying to alter your entire feast menu - but just one new side dish. It helps you celebrate thankfulness and fun for the holiday. And if it doesn't turn out to be a hit, pitch it and grab a can or two of green beans.

Don't get to cook for the dinner? Bring a new dessert... or shake things up with a cocktail or bottle of wine.

Thanksgiving is about fun and family. How can you change your "menu" and enjoy celebrating all that we have with those that you love?

Seasons Change

Cooler temperatures, trees preparing to drop leaves, the season is changing. Autumn is still almost two weeks away, but nature is preparing herself for the changes.

Some people love changing seasons. It's one of the changes, overall, that humans accept readily. Okay, maybe not ALL of us are eager for Winter, but we do know what to expect.

There can be specific reasons for not looking forward to a change of season. Perhaps the traditional holidays bring stress. Family expectations can certainly affect one's anticipation of seasons and changes. If you have lost a treasured member of your family or a dear friend, perhaps that loss or sadness has you dreading any upcoming events. You will miss that person.

Maybe a past relationship was developed during a particular season. Many memories can be challenging to relive, especially when those thoughts and feelings pop up and surprise you. Things that you thought you had put to rest can sneak up on you when you least expect it - by the smells of fresh autumn pastries, warm crackling of a bonfire, sounds of a football stadium.

Life changes that coincide with holidays or seasons can be more difficult to grow from. It takes more work and more positive focus. Yet to go on, complete, the grief needs to be accepted and processed.

Let it go. Let yourself be sad about it - temporarily. Let your memories be respected, acknowledged and put to rest. Let the new season be brand new for you.

Autumn, Thanksgiving, preparing for Christmas (or any Winter holiday you celebrate) - it can be overwhelming. Change your focus and let yourself learn from nature. The cycle will continue... so will you. There are so many beautiful opportunities, so many blessings to focus upon. I wish them all to you... along with a cup of hot apple cider and slice of pumpkin pie straight from the warm oven.

Cheers to Change.