November 24, 2011
Editor’s Note: Carole Townsend, a correspondent for the Daily Post, is writing a blog called “Food for Thought.” It is available online at www.gwinnettdailypost.com/townsend.>
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone. This has to be one of my favorite holidays; the food, the family, the smells…I just love it. Every year I mark it on my calendar and know – I mean I just know – that it will be perfect. Like, Norman Rockwell perfect. And every year, I am stunned and disappointed when the whole holiday runs off in the ditch.
I have learned, after enduring 50 Thanksgivings, that there are a few rules of thumb to follow that may help avoid some of the worst holiday disasters. For what it’s worth, here are a few:
1) Don’t expect too much. Set the bar low, and be happy if your family exceeds your expectations. 2) Everything you serve does not have to be homemade. In a pinch, buy store-bought treats and transfer to one of your own dishes. No one will be the wiser. 3) You do not have to invite everyone in the family to dinner simply because they’re “family.” 4) Thanksgiving is not the time to air grudges or differences. Save that for Black Friday. 5) Do not assume that, just because the host has a dog or dogs, it’s OK to bring your dog along. Don’t laugh; we’ve had people do this on more than one occasion. Dogs are not like people; they do not feel as though they have to make nice because they’re guests. Too, just because they’re potty trained in their own homes does not mean they are trained in every home. Again, I say this from experience. 6) When in doubt, do not serve alcohol. I’m telling you, it’s like pouring gasoline on a fire.
Enjoy the day, and have some turkey for me!
Carole Townsend is also a Gwinnett Daily Post staff correspondent and author of the recently-released book, “Southern Fried White Trash.” The book takes a humorous look at all families and how we behave when thrown together for weddings, funerals and holidays.
Comments
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Sign in to comment
Or login with:
OpenID