Post-Thanksgiving Survey

[Andy]

I heard that you people over the pond celebrate your harvest of the crops etc. So how well behaved were you over this period of thanksgiving and black Friday?

[Hope]

Technically it isn't the celebration of harvest. Thanksgiving was originally a celebration of our first settlers. They celebrated surviving an entire year over here in the "colonies." They managed to survive a terrible winter, plant crops and harvest enough to survive the next winter.

Today we celebrate Thanksgiving by remembering what we have accomplished the previous year. We are greatful for another year of achivements, goals, and health. While harvest is part of the celebration, it is not the focal point.

The traditional Thanksgiving day starts early in the morning with a small breakfast with the immediate family. They discuss the weeks events and pass out the days work. Mom goes back into the kitchen and starts working on the Turkey. Once that is in the oven, then she starts on the days snacks. This usually includes veggies, breads, fruits, sweets and nuts. They are layed out around the house for when the extended family and friends arrive.

While she is working in the kitchen, the parade is turned on. The kids and dad watch the parade. As the extended family and friends arrive, the football games come on. Mom is back and forth between the kitchen and the guests.

When dinner is finally served, it usually includes, but is not limited to: Turkey, stuffing/dressing, masked potatoes, corn, gravey, green bean cassorole, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, and bread. Other things are included depending on the region you live, such as: turnips, collard greens, black eyed peas, various squash, broccoli, ham or pasta.

After dinner, then men/boys clear the table. If they are properly trained, they even do the dishes. Once everyone has had time to digest t he excess food they have consumed, it is time for dessert. This inclues, but is not limited to: pumpkin pie, sweet potato pie, apple pie, and chocolate cream pie. Again there are regional deserts such as: chocolate pudding, bread pudding, jello, and key lime pie. Often there are cookies and cakes.

Granted, this is a "traditional" thanksgiving from my point of view. It is different for each family.

I was good this year and only had one helping at dinner. I did have cheese, sausage, crackers and veggies before we ate. I had a very small peice of apple/pear pie for dessert. I have a total of 4 glasses of wine from noon until 8 pm.

[Andy]

Thanks for the insite heidi! I like the idea of keeping the traditions alive even though they are not politically correct these days with mom doing one thing and men something else. But that's culture and tradition.

[Hope]

He is great on the grill, so he does that. If it involves the oven, that is where he steps back and says, your turn. I don't care about the stereotyping of women in the kitchen. For the most part, that is the way it really is. Not everywhere and every family, but the majority.

[Andy]

Well my wife is a Chef and enjoys creating tastey food and I am technically-minded so I do the changing-lightbulb stuff and pumping up tyres etc.

[Hope]

LMAO - Well I do both. My BF isn't exactly a handyman.