Because life is not chaotic enough, I thought it would be fun to host Thanksgiving dinner a week before I move. One last hurrah. Insane, right? And because I did not have enough madness surrounding me this year (note of sarcasm…), I thought it would be the perfect time to create a new tradition. A tradition in which my family finds themselves eating Turkey Dinner on Paper Plates.
Now, haters do not hate. And judgers, do not judge. I have always been intimidated by the big bird, so this is the perfect excuse to avoid him for yet another Thanksgiving season. Conveniently I ordered a delicious tray of pre-sliced turkey complete with gravy and stuffing. I love the side dishes almost more than the delightful center-of-attention turkey. In accordance, my siblings and I will share the side load; Mom will bring the desserts. It’s a meal in the making.
I recognize my strengths and my weaknesses, and this is NOT the year to deviate in either direction.
To be fair, I have warned my family of the mayhem my house has become the closer I get to the move. Boxes stacked in every corner, cupboards bare and void of plates, lists and sticky notes piled high on every spare counter. It is embarrassing to have anyone step inside my front door at this juncture of the packing phase. This crew, however, is family, and they are coming no matter what.
Frankly, I could not stop them.
This is family. They do not take no for an answer. Power in numbers. Yes, they are coming for Turkey Dinner on Paper Plates.
Truthfully, I want them to come. I want them to celebrate with me for the last time in this wonderful home that has given us so many family gatherings. This holiday will be bittersweet, so I want my boys to be surrounded by the people they love. Endings also mean beginnings. This is what we will focus on, and this, yes this, is exactly why my family will be here. To comfort during the transition and let us know we will make it to the other side.
Plus, they want to be with us for this last celebratory meal, the final holiday in this abode. Is it really about the food? No, it is precisely about the gathering, the being together, the comfort we feel in one other’s company. Not forced but genuine. I do not have to be a great cook to host them but simply a gracious hostess who encourages their commitment to be together as a family.
The China and crystal are packed, and the silverware is up next. We have no choice but to eat our Turkey Dinner on Paper Plates, the sturdy no-nonsense kind. This brings us to the reason – and the season – for those durable paper plates.
I was naïve enough to think I could host a typical sit-down, fancy meal with all the trimmings and still have time to pack everything up. Wrong. I quickly realized my limitations. Someone pointed out to me yesterday, I will get it all packed because, well, I have to. Simply put. No other choice. Do not panic.
I will revel in the moment of this final family gathering at my home of 15 years. I vow to be present and pleasant and leave the anxiety at the back door. Or at least I will give it my best team effort.
No matter how you dine this Thanksgiving, whether fancy or take-out or somewhere in between, keep in mind it is not how you eat the turkey or where you eat the turkey but rather with whom you break bread – or the wishbone – for this annual meal.
As my family circles around the buffet table eating our Turkey Dinner on Paper Plates, we will reflect, give thanks, and be grateful that we could be together.
Maybe this is a tradition I can stick with after all. Gobble-gobble.
Here is a very early rendition of Scribing with Scout. The sentiments are the same, but the writing style has become more polished, hopefully. Enjoy an early look at a Home for the Holidays story: My Nest is Empty, But They Still Keep Coming Home – scribingwithscout
11 comments On My Family is Eating Turkey Dinner on Paper Plates
REALLY looking forward to our “new” tradition!! Am hoping for smiles not tears!! I love your healthy way of looking at life!!
Thanks for hosting again!!
Love,
Mom
It will be wonderful!
I love everything you write, but this might be my favorite to date. I get this. The emotion behind the closure of this chapter in your home, of new traditons and new beginnings, as awkward and unsettling and unsure they may be. But you’ve built a true home for your boys in your heart and that will carry on beyond the four walls you are leaving into the new house. Kudos to you, you strong and beautiful mother, daughter, sister, and friend, for hosting the holiday that centers around family and gratitude – you are the epitome of all that. Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Your response warmed my heart. You ‘get’ it. I look forward to seeing you in a few weeks!
Another fabulous post! You are so strong Jackie! I love this tradition!
Moving forward! Thanks for the support!
I think it all sounds wonderful!
Your love of family trumps the finest bone china and sterling flatware. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving and keep writing.
😘🦃🍁
Wonderful story Jackie. You have come so far . It is fitting for you to close this chapter with a wonderful ending. There have been ups and downs with many happy memories in your home that you can celebrate with family. Keep the trash can open, toss the paper plates ….enjoy that extra glass of wine as you will not have to endure the major washing of dishes!!! I have a feeling next year you will want to show off your new well chosen plates! Gobble Gobble to you and your wonderful family.
such a great piece, and comes at a great time of reflection and what really matters. I too have ordered a meal from Wegmans, whose cooking is far better than mine anyway. It will still be desserts, sides, apps to prepare-but the good stuff is the wine!!!!
you are the best JP-you will probably have a lifetime memory of the Thanksgiving you are about to have, on paper plates, with boxes all around-and isn’t that what it is all about ??
Enjoy!
Elanor
Hi Jackie! I am sorry my response is so late to your wonderful latest piece- well-written as always!
I too, have swung from one extreme to the other at the holidays from my bone China and my grandmother’s silverware to paper plates and my everyday silverware that can go in the dishwasher.
Wishing you all the best with your move and looking forward to seeing you at our gathering January 8th:)
Jan Rothbard
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Mother of two boys, house manager, ex-chauffeur, organizer of all things, pet proprietor.
Seeking to find my voice through the written word.
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