Thanksgiving Gotta Haves

This theme has come up a lot lately: when you marry someone, in one sense, you marry the whole family. Families have a lot of traditions -- some unspoken. Mrs. Nod and I found that out over the years on both sides of the family. Some things you didn't even know you cared about until they don't happen.

Thanksgiving is like that a lot. Mostly, it's about family, being together, and giving thanks to God for all his benefits; but also, it's about food. Sometimes, it's just not the same without your favorite food.



This year, we're hosting Mrs. Nod's side of the family for Thanksgiving and there will be changes. For instance, due to allergies, there will be no broccoli and cheese dish, no frozen cranberries, and other seasonings may be "light". Instead, there will be corn on the cob. (really?). It's not that I don't like it, but it's not "traditional" for my side. I had to rescue the butternut squash from table banishment, too.

There was a little side discussion last week on the difference between yams and sweet potatoes. The pies will definitely be 100% home made, though, and Grandma's making the stuffing. Brother-in-law will be making his special cranberry relish, but Grandpa wants his mashed potatoes for sure (no garlic please). Other than the green bean casserole, there may be a dearth of green things this year. The bread will get made in the bread maker, a nice toothy egg bread (yum!).

And there will be football, but absolutely no Christmas talk until Friday.

What are your "gotta haves" for Thanksgiving?