Thanksgiving countdown

If you want to see my Thanksgiving decorations, look quick, because by Friday, they'll be packed away for another year. Whether it's the early snow (it's snowing lightly right now!) or the lateness of Thanksgiving (or the pressures of blogging?), I don't think I've ever been quite this wound up to start decorating for Christmas. I cannot wait. Thanksgiving night and the Friday after Thanksgiving are probably my favorite 36-hour period of the year. All that good food, and no cooking. All that pent-up demand for Christmas decorations and music and movies, unleashed at last.

It's been a rule in my family for years that there is No Christmas until Thanksgiving Is Over, and even if I wanted to violate it, my son, of all people, would not allow it. He is Mr. Tradition. He is exactly like my dad, who instituted the No Christmas until Thanksgiving Is Over Rule. I wish I lived a little closer to my family, but it might be just as well that my son and my dad are 300 miles apart. They have exactly the same quirks, and if they lived any closer, they might create some powerful swirling vortex of obsessive rule-making and frugality and sports-statistic-keeping from which none of us could ever escape.

 

But between now and then is Thanksgiving itself, and that's a pretty splendid day, too. Today I'm making stuffing, pumpkin pie, pumpkin cheesecake and creamed onions, and cutting up the potatoes and turnips to get ready for tomorrow. Tomorrow I'll make the turkey and gravy and mashed potatoes and ... well, you get the picture. And how many people are coming to this feast, you ask? Five. The four of us and my wacky mother-in-law. (Wacky is extremely, extremely generous, but it's the holidays, you know?)

Fifteen people could show up at the last minute, and we would have more than enough food. The first year my husband and I cooked Thanksgiving together, one of our friends asked at the last minute if she could bring her friend who had no place to go. He turned out to be the state budget director, a pretty famous guy in political circles. We had plenty of food, but not enough matching dishes, and the guy who daily handled gazillions of dollars in state funds got the only spare dish we had, a meat platter. It was one of the most fun Thanksgivings ever. I hope he's got a place to go this year, because we don't live in the same state any more.

On a couple of fronts, this has been a bit of a stink-o year. However, even in a year in which I've often felt that things could be going a lot better, I have a wonderful husband, two swell kids, a roof over my head, a job, our families, our friends. A lot of those friends are ones that this time last year I didn't know existed - the friends I've met through blogging. To all of you, I wish you the happiest of Thanksgivings if you're here in the states, and the happiest of days if you're not. And I think I've gotten to know some of you well enough that one of you will ask about that recipe book on the middle shelf and ask what the Three Great Products from Corn are.

They're Argo Corn Starch, Mazola Corn Oil and Karo Corn Syrup. Without 'em, it just wouldn't be Thanksgiving.

Comments

[Jayme L.]

Love your Thanksgiving pictures! You always put up the cutest displays. I envy you having a small, cozy dinner. We always have to host or attend some crazy circus of a dinner, with barely enough silverware, and absolutely no chance of matching plates. Have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy the leftovers!

[Kim]

Love - love - love your Thanksgiving decorations. You have them displayed so nicely. I also like your family rule and totally agree with it.

Your feast sounds delicious. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family.

[LiLi M.]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family! We over here don't have time for such a party, as Santa is still empty handed and he is supposed to visit us Friday the 5th of December. But I like to sit and think of last year too, as you did. Might have a little thanksgiving party on the blog, while you all are eating turkey. Have a great day and enjoy your meal!

[vintagesue]

This is probably one of my favorite posts of yours ever! From describing your feast for 5, to the swirling vortex, to the acknowledgment that we now have friends we never knew existed.... so true!

[HeidiAnn]

I absolutely love everything you have on your shelf - it looks great. I want to wish you a happy and wonderful Thanksgiving, too!

[Crystal]

I agree with vintagesue, this is a wonderful post. I love your decorations - everything seems so homey and cozy and welcoming. I think your Thanksgiving sounds wonderful.I hope you have lots of fun (even with your wacky MIL)!

[Jenny]

You know..I have corn syrup in my pantry and I think I have only used it once in 10 years. Hmmm..I might see if there is an experiation date!!

[Lindsey]

I feel the same way that you do. This year did stink a whole lot! But my Mom and I have also met so many wonderful new blog friends!So now I look forward to Christmas and then a New Year!
I can't wait to see your Christmas decorations.
Happy Thanksgiving, Lindsey

[Robin~Thrifty Miss Priss]

Barbara, I just LOVE your snarkiness.....I too have formed so many friendships and count you as one of them...thanks for all the visits to my blog this year...the sweet giveaway you sent me and for your friendship!
And I think The "No Decorating until after Thanksgiving Rule" is just like the "no white after labor day rule" and rules are MADE to be broken. I for one broke lots of rules this year!

[Kim G.]

Your Thanksgiving display is great and it's a bit of a shame Christmas comes so fast because you could leave it up longer! Hope you and your Thanksgiving guests (including one wacky mother-in-law) have a great time together. Blessings, Kim

[Connie]

I always enjoy your posts, but I especially enjoyed this one. A happy Thanksgiving to you and yours. I'm behind on everything, as my birthday fell on Wed and I spent the day for me. That is why I'm up at 2:30 reading blogs before I start working on the birds.

[Patty]

I am such a slug, I never decorate for Thanksgiving. I love seeing all of your decorations and especially love your turkey plates. Have a great Thanksgiving with the wacky mom-in-law!

[Patty]

I forgot to mention that under my Facebook (my new obsession) picture, I put "Like a box of vintage pipe cleaners, I am a bundle o' fun." Hah!

[Aunt Barbie]

Hi There, Where in the world do you find all of those Gurleys??And they look perfect too!Happy Thanksgiving! Aunt Barbie

[Rosemary]

i love your turkey plates! ANd all your other thanksgiving and christmas decor!! Rosemary