Thanksgiving - Part 2

Okay, slight change in plans to our Thanksgiving travel schedule which I've previously written about on this blog - we are now NOT going to Arizona and Nevada but are STILL going to San Diego for a week. After doing a cost analysis and budgeting for our upcoming trip, we decided to nix the Arizona and Nevada legs of our road trip this year to save ourselves some money. So, San Diego, here we come!

Making that slight change in travel plans also leaves us in town for Thanksgiving but since we just decided to cancel our plans for traveling that day, we are now left with some options. In the past, we've either traveled to the East Coast to New York or to Virginia to spend time with grandparents and other extended family. During the years that we have not traveled back to the East Coast, we have either gone to friends' homes here in California or have had friends over to our house for Thanksgiving. This year, we're not doing any of those things since we are just changing our plans at the last minute ourselves for Thanksgiving.

While Thanksgiving this year will still be a time of connecting and remembering our many blessings, we're switching things up just a bit. Mike is planning on spending part of his Thanksgiving on the golf course. Yes, golf courses are open on Thanksgiving, and the rates are even discounted at the course for Thanksgiving and yes, I'm even 100% okay with him playing that day. While Mike is golfing that day, the twins and I are going to be getting in the giving spirit and will be visiting some regional homeless shelters Thanksgiving Day donating traditional Thanksgiving dinner items (pies, bread, stuffing, turkey, etc.) This year, our church pastor has inspired and encouraged those of us who can give of our resources and our time this Thanksgiving to those who have far less, hence the plans for the girls and I to get out of our comfort zone, so to speak, and visit some local homeless shelters to help those needy and hungry individuals, families and children in our community who might not otherwise have a holiday meal to enjoy.

Sure, it's not how we've traditionally spent our Thanksgivings in the past, but on the other hand, I'm actually more excited about this Thanksgiving because as our pastor has encouraged us - we're putting our faith into action doing something for the hungry and homeless in our neighborhoods. It's also going to serve as a nice reminder of what this season is truly all about - giving to others less fortunate.

Untraditional. That Is This Year's Menu.

Thanksgiving is a time to get together with loved ones, to reflect on life's blessings, and to eat from the bounty we’ve been given. Nobody says that bounty has to be turkey and dressing, right?!

This year, Mike and I are considering breaking from tradition and breaking the mold on the usual line-up of Thanksgiving fare to go instead for a family dinner with a less conventional Thanksgiving meal theme. We’re leaning towards a Surf & Turf theme that would include a Mesclun Salad with cherry tomatoes and balsamic vinaigrette and toasted French bread to get started. Then, for dinner, we’d proceed to Prime Aged NY Strip steak on the grill as well as Salmon Steak seasoned with lemon thyme butter. Sides are likely to be whipped potatoes, jasmine rice and steamed vegetables. Lastly, desserts – our favorite part of absolutely any dinner – will be the best part featuring homemade shortcake plus the more traditional Thanksgiving holiday desserts with pumpkin pie and apple caramel crunch pie.

So, why am I talking about the Thanksgiving meal already?! Well, it's next week so that got me thinking, but the more likely explanation is that it's because I'm a forward planner and that's what we forward planner personalities do....

Are you breaking from the traditional turkey, pumpkin pie and dressing this year for your Thanksgiving dinner? Are you also going for the untraditional? If so, I'd love to hear how you too might be thumbing your nose at establishment and breaking with tradition at your table this year to eat whatever you like!