Everyone Helps With Thanksgiving Dinner

by Lauri Griffin | More from this Blogger

19 Nov 2007 08:53 AM

Yesterday my oldest son and I did our shopping for Thanksgiving. Some years the whole family goes and picks out things, but we didn't have the time yesterday. The store was so crowded that I was glad everyone had not come with us.

Before shopping, we did have a mini family meeting though about the menu. We don't change it much from year to year, but we have all agreed that we need to spice it up a little. Our traditional Thanksgiving dinner is old southern family recipes. The dishes are delicious, heavy on the butter and pecans, but also a little bland for our tastes. I could have decided that all on my own, but I wanted it to be a family dinner.

At our house, everyone cooks. I started this tradition years ago, mainly because I didn't want to end up slaving away in the kitchen while everyone else watched TV. Plus, I think helping makes them appreciate the day more. This way it's more of a family dinner. I have fond memories of helping in my grandmother's crowded kitchen, with my aunts all sharing stories and laughs.

To accomplish our "everyone helps" rule, I started out small. Little children gave token stirs. Toddlers sat on the kitchen counter and added premeasured ingredients to the mixing bowl. Older children got to measure. By the time my oldest was in middle school age he could not only follow the recipe, but made better yeast rolls than I did. From scratch no less! When we have company, I include them too. Most people love being asked to help, they tell me it makes them feel more like family than guests. I have had a little resistance from older men who aren't used to being in the kitchen. They are worried they will mess things up. But even someone who isn't used to cooking, can chop nuts, peel a potato, or sprinkle topping on a casserole.

Even though I may have started this tradition out of laziness, it has grown to be much more. Our dinner needs everyone's help, it includes everyone, and all my children look forward to helping. With everyone participating and helping it's a true family project and holiday.

Also See:

Three Easy Cornucopias

Gratitude Trees

Thanksgiving Forums - all sorts of ideas and advice!

Learn more about Lauri Griffin

Lauri lives in Colorado with her husband and three sons. Amidst all the laundry and packing of lunches, she tries to keep parenting fun.

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