Thursday, November 27, 2008

When "home for the holidays" is a wish.


This is the first Thanksgiving ever that we did not consume some type of turkey substance. Growing up it was Turkey, our first married years it was turkey loaf (it wasn't that bad), or when we had more funds we would order a small turkey meal at a restaurant or from a deli. Granted we have moved around a lot and haven't been together as extended family for a very long time over the Holidays, but at least we've been able to celebrate with our little family. This year, however, we are not only far from family - but turkeyless! Canada celebrates their Thanksgiving in October, and normally we would put a dinner together, but this year with Craig out of town - we've had to be a little more creative about this weekend. Here are some things you can do this Holiday season happy and enjoyable, when you find yourself "away" from family:

from Martha Stewart - here's the link


1. Make friends your family. Plan something fun to do with your friends over the would-be holiday.

2. Invite the missionaries over for Thanksgiving dinner.

3. Make your own Thanksgiving meal with all the trimmings, who cares that half of it will have to be frozen - it's still fun to get together and celebrate.

4. Tivo or watch the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade on TV.

5. Rent or Watch a favorite movie that reminds you of this time of year - make sure to get lots of snacks!

6. Have an hors d'oeuvres dinner. Holidays for us were all about eating crackers and cheese during the football games - or just eating! Plan your favorite hors d'oeuvres and serve them for a meal!

7. Take yourself or own family to a movie.

8. Call home, and wish your missing family Happy Holidays - they will appreciate it and you might not miss them so much.

9. Plan activities about being grateful this Thanksgiving, you can still show your children about gratitude and saying thank you.

10. Remember that you are missed and loved when you can't be home for the Holidays. It can be a fun experience to try something new and a good collection to the stories you can tell to your family the next time you can make it home.


Happy Thanks giving everyone! I have learned so much from each of my fellow blogging friends and am so grateful for your heartfelt words and kindness.


What else can you add to this list?

14 comments:

Jenny said...

Happy Thanksgiving! Love all the great ideas.

Lisa said...

Happy Thanksgiving :)

Shauna said...

Hope you have a blessed and Happy Thanksgiving :) ♥ Hugs!!

dani said...

michelle, i hope your day was a thankful one regardless of the fact that it was turkeyless:) those are great ideas... you are always so thoughtful and thought-provoking!!!
have a great weekend:D
love,
dani

Marie said...

Happy belated American Thanksgiving!

Those cupcakes are sooo darling! Thanks for sharing the link.

Megan said...

Hey! I love your cute ideas. We lucked out again to have a big Thanksgiving with extended family on BJ's side. I brought the pies as always. Plenty of turkey. I love your cupcakes & love reading up on you guys. Best of luck with fertility...I remember when you brought to church those sweet girls as babies. Precious times! Take care!

Bren's Life said...

I hope you had a Great day even without Turkey! That's a bummer that your hubby's out of town. But I guess if it's not a holiday it doesn't matter huh!
How long have you lived in Canada? Why did you move there from the states?

Jan said...

Hubby's are good to have home, but I have been there many times. I love the cupcakes so much. Darling Michelle. Have fun getting ready for Christmas.

Natasha said...

"Plan your favorite hors d'oeuvres and serve them for a meal" - we do this for Christmas most years! It is simple, delicious, and saves the cooking time for visiting instead!

Happy Thanksgiving, Michelle!!

Elizabeth said...

We love having lots of hors d'oeuvres on Christmas Eve. Love your ideas.

Carolee said...

This is our first year away from family during the holidays. It is a little sad but we are trying our best to create fun family memories of our own:)

Heffalump said...

Sorry to hear that you didn't get to have Turkey!
I think it would be very difficult to be away from family during the Holidays.

leanne c said...

Hey michelle those cupcakes look fabulous

donna said...

those cupcakes look so good.:) YUMMY!