My Thanksgiving Non-Traditions

When I was in college, the best thing in the world was coming home for the holiday season. Thanksgiving isn’t even a huge holiday in my family, being that I don’t have a lot of family, but I still get that extreme excited feeling every year. My family really doesn’t have any traditions, for example we end up doing something different every year.

Last year, we had Thanksgiving dinner at one of my mom’s friends’ houses. That’s right—my mom’s friend. Meaning no one in the family had met anyone in their family before having Thanksgiving dinner with them (talk about awkward). It was a strange day but fun nonetheless. They happened to be great people with excellent cooking stills, which always makes for a good time. It was a little strange when we all held hands and did a “group prayer” before dinner, since my family is not very religious, but my sisters and I giggled through it. It was really a bonding experience for my sisters and I since we were the only people we knew! The night turned out to be a lot of fun and for the first time ever (on Thanksgiving), I ended up going out with their kids to a bar at the end of the night! Let me tell you from experience—no one goes out on Thanksgiving night. We were the only people in the bar and I have no idea why we thought this would be a good idea. At least we had the place to ourselves…

This year we are having Thanksgiving dinner at home. We’ve done this before and while it’s not all that exciting, it’s nice and relaxing. We don’t have to dress up to impress anyone—even though my sisters and I take this opportunity to show off our new winter boots and sweaters. But makeup, we don’t need makeup—that’s a lie we usually wear makeup in case of a photo opportunity. Regardless, it is a stress free day—except for my mom going crazy about the turkey and how it’s never fully cooked. Okay so maybe it’s not all that relaxing but I’m a sucker for holidays and any kind of excitement. Thanksgiving also means that Christmas is next—my favorite holiday of all!

As soon as the day is through, it’s time for Christmas decorations. I say this—but it usually takes me a week or two to actually start putting them up. I turn into a Christmas elf and go a little crazy, but why not? This is my favorite time of the year (the most won-der-ful time of the year)! Whatever your tradition, remember to have fun and enjoy your time off! Happy Holidays!