
Thanksgiving is in two weeks.
Guys – TWO WEEKS. I’m freaking out. Mostly, I’m excited. I am already ravenous for all the food. I love everything about Thanksgiving. I love the idea of congregating together, cooking all day, talking loudly, and eating an obnoxious amount of potatoes.
As someone who has a reputation for cooking and enjoying cooking constantly – maybe you think I’m gearing up to cook a feast. In part – you are right. I’m excited to nail down some pie options, find a good mac and cheese recipe, and mash some potatoes. However – I’m also dreading it in a way.
The same week of Thanksgiving, my hours for my second job have skyrocketed and the mall will be flooded by consumers fighting each other for the best deal on stuff that no one actually needs. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a big consumer too. I buy SO much food. I’m trying to work on my waste but…that’s definitely a vice of mine. There is just a duality of the holidays that always makes me pause. The combination of trying to appreciate our loved ones in a sincere way and pushing material goods onto them (some they want and some they don’t) and almost going broke for it is almost laughable.
People always talk about the ‘meaning’ of Thanksgiving or the ‘meaning’ of Christmas. As if talking about the ‘meaning”‘of any of these times of the year makes people less forgetful that life isn’t about the STUFF. It’s about togetherness. In light of recent, national events – my mind has been in overdrive trying to figure out the equation of togetherness and community and how we all fit into it.
Maybe I sound like a cynic? I try not to be. In fact, if you asked anyone who really knew me, I get excited and in the spirit of any holiday. Arbor day? YES. TREES. Presidents’ Day – let’s watch documentaries all day! Christmas? I WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS EVE. I am Christmas incarnate!
But…in a world where we are constantly told we need to buy something to make us happy – I struggle to remember at times that all we need is each other. So this year, if I don’t make that extra pie, I won’t beat myself up about it. If I don’t spend a certain amount of money on people, they’ll have to realize that my homemade gifts are so much….MORE…than anything I could have ever bought them.
Love you guys! Are you ready to eat your faces off soon? I know I am!!!
Here’s what I’ve been chomping on lately:









Happy Eating!!!! Have a great week!