McThanks

Happy Thanksgiving from Outinthemiddleofnowhere, America!

It's so weird to think that for my children, this holiday will always be synonymous with staying in a hotel and eating fast-food for dinner.

My childhood Thanksgiving was very traditional. The Macy's day parade played on the television while the women worked in the kitchen making their special dishes. My grandfather would ceremoniously carve the turkey.  There was always a feast, complete with formal table setting and the "fancy" plates.  We went around the room, each sharing what we were most thankful for and always saying a prayer before the meal. The rest of the afternoon was spent playing games.  The entire day felt special - it wasn't just a meal and then done. 

And that's just not the way my in-laws do things. They tend to be the more non-celebratory type. Which is why my husband never had a birthday party. And for a girl that likes to celebrate everything and celebrate big...well, it's just weird.

Like, how does anything about this day separate it from any other? Because isn't that kinda the point of a holiday? For it to be special in some way? I just feel like holidays should be marked by ceremony and tradition.

I would love to host a holiday that looks like a spread from Good Housekeeping. Totally not the woman to do it, though. Not enough talent or time. But mostly not enough talent.  Unless you can produce that kind of meal just using a microwave.

Annnd my inner Betty Crocker just died a little bit.

So my Thanksgiving largely consisted of me scrolling through fb all day. And looking at all these beautiful Thanksgiving meals. And I'm over here all "Ham, mac&cheese, and roaches. Yum!"

But it is what it is... I know it's important for my husband to spend time with his family and for the girls to get to share something with them too. And that makes it special in it's own way.

Besides, what kid doesn't think it's super cool to be in a hotel chowing on chicken nuggets and fries?

Happy Thanksgiving 2013!