Encouraging words on Thanksgiving Eve
November 26, 2025 by DarcieI can’t believe it has been six years since I wrote about the first Thanksgiving in a decade where I was not hosting. The main reason for that 2019 situation had to do with a health condition that I had hoped would be resolved in time for the next holiday. I was so disappointed that my friends (who are my chosen family) wouldn’t gather around my table, even though it was always a lot of work and I would be wiped out for days afterward. I figured that would be a one-off and that I would resume my hosting duties the next time around.
However, life does not always go to plan. The Covid epidemic disrupted the next two Thanksgivings, and by then, the routine was no longer, well, a routine. I have not hosted a large gathering since 2018 and while at first I was crushed by not being able to host, I have to come to enjoy not having the last-minute rush. I am especially thankful for that this year because we took in a pregnant street cat and now have five (adorable) kittens running around our feet – not conducive to bustling around with a vacuum cleaner or pans full of hot food.
That said, there is still a twinge of sadness for not being responsible for pulling together a delicious meal. For me, one of life’s great pleasures is having cherished friends gather around a table overflowing with delicious food and drink. My hat is off to everyone who is still pulling host duties – remember, although it is hard work, your guests will appreciate it. Also remember my advice from 2019: that it is okay if you don’t get around to making that fifth side dish, your cousin Susan will not be psychologically damaged if you don’t put marshmallows on the sweet potatoes, and you do not need to make a separate gravy without pepper for your picky nephew Billy. He won’t starve.
Relax, you’ve got this.
This year we are traveling – about 75 feet across our south lawn to the neighbor’s house. I will be making dessert (pumpkin roll and a pie or tart TBD tomorrow), along with dinner rolls. What are your Thanksgiving plans?
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