Wayfaring Wednesday: Thanksgiving Oops and Mishaps!

Welcome to Wayfaring Wednesday! My career as a real estate agent takes me all around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and its surrounding areas. Though I wasn’t born and raised here, I’ve come to deeply appreciate the unique blend of urban and rural charm this region offers over the last 20 plus years that I have called this region home. Wayfaring Wednesday is a Newsletter for www.wayfaringLancaster.com my Buy Local- Buy Small initiative.

I remember making my first turkey—it was frozen solid! And then there was the Thanksgiving with a new baby who had colic. I still grieve the loss of my mom, especially during the holidays. Thanksgiving can be a beautiful but challenging time, especially if you’re juggling a small kitchen, several kids, or a blended family with mixed traditions. Over the years, I’ve learned a few things to make the holiday more meaningful and less stressful.

Handle Last-Minute Hiccups with Humor and Grace

Cooking in a small kitchen or for a large group has its moments of chaos. My secret: keep a sense of humor, don’t take things too seriously, and lose the competitiveness. If your dish doesn’t turn out and your sister’s does, let her know she won this round. Even if it’s not your usual style, saying something playful like that can lighten the mood and shift the focus to positivity. Remember, people will forget the details of the meal, but they’ll remember how you made them feel.

When Life Interrupts Tradition

If someone is ill, grieving, or unable to participate as they usually do, remind yourself that people are more important than our plans. Make an effort to include them in whatever way feels meaningful—whether it’s setting aside time to visit, video call, or making them feel special with a simple gesture.

Grieving a lost loved one during the holidays is also hard—I still miss my mom deeply during this season. I give myself permission to grieve while celebrating her memory. It’s okay to acknowledge that life isn’t always fun or picture-perfect, and being honest about that can bring deeper connection with others.

Break Tradition to Blend Families

In our blended family, we’ve had to merge traditions and sometimes ditch them altogether when they didn’t feel right. And let’s face it—turkey and stuffing can get old. We mix it up with something new, like a favorite international dish or a themed meal. The goal is to create memories, not force everyone into the same mold.

Accept Help Graciously

This one took me time to learn: let others pitch in—even if they don’t do things your way. Thanksgiving isn’t about perfection; it’s about people. Whether it’s a crooked pie crust or a slightly under-seasoned dish, what matters is the love behind the effort.

Finally, when things go wrong (and they will), remember to laugh, let go, and focus on the people around you. Thanksgiving is less about the food and more about the connections we create, whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a chaotic but joy-filled gathering.

Thanksgiving can bring last-minute surprises, but with a little planning and creativity, you can handle them smoothly. Here are some quick solutions for common issues:

1. Turkey Trouble

• Frozen Turkey: Submerge it in cold water (in the sink or a large cooler), changing the water every 30 minutes. This method thaws it quickly.

• No Time to Roast: Spatchcock the turkey (cut out the backbone and flatten it) or cook just the breast and thighs for faster roasting.

2. Short on Sides

• Canned or Frozen Goods: Jazz up canned green beans with garlic and lemon or toss frozen veggies in olive oil and roast them.

• Last-Minute Staples: Instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, or pre-made pie crusts can save time while still tasting great.

3. Forgot an Ingredient

• Quick Substitutions:

  • No butter? Use olive oil.

  • Out of chicken stock? Use water seasoned with salt, pepper, and a splash of soy sauce.

  • Missing eggs for baking? Try mashed banana, applesauce, or flaxseed mixed with water.

4. Guests Coming Last Minute

• Make it a Potluck: Ask guests to bring a dish or drinks. Most people are happy to contribute!

• Expand What You Have: Serve appetizers like crackers, cheese, or veggies with dip to fill in gaps.

5. Burned or Undercooked Food

• Burnt Gravy or Veggies: Remove the top unburnt layer and transfer to a clean pan. Add a splash of liquid to freshen up flavors.

• Turkey Not Done: Slice it and finish cooking in the oven or on the stovetop with broth.

6. Family Stress

• Games or Activities: Keep everyone busy with board games, a holiday movie, or a walk outside.

• Humor Over Perfection: Remember, it’s about togetherness, not perfection. Laugh off the mishaps.

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