Thanksgiving Musings

As the leaves turn from vibrant hues to a crunchy carpet beneath our feet, the air grows crisp and filled with the tantalizing aroma of pumpkin pie, and the festive spirit of Thanksgiving begins to permeate our lives. This joyous occasion, marked by family gatherings, culinary delights, and a whole lot of gratitude, is a time to reflect on the blessings we hold dear and celebrate the simple pleasures of life. But before we get lost in the whirlwind of turkey prep, mashed potato debates, or what type of pie is the best, let's take a moment to lighten the mood with some musings about the day. 

This year, I plan on waking early to tackle my own personal 10k- Turkey Trot.  I know later in the day I will be indulging in the culinary masterpieces of the season, so I am going to start the day with a bit of physical activity. If you don’t want to go it alone, there are plenty of community-organized races in local towns and they are all classified as a Turkey Trot. Once the Turkey Trot is over, it is time to visit with family and friends. Enter the mashed potato debate. Should they be smooth and creamy, or should they retain their rustic charm with a few lumps?  Should they have the skins or be peeled?  Butter only or add sour cream.  Every time I think I have heard all the different recipes, I hear another that I want to try. However, don’t even get me started on the stuffing, because both end up on my Thanksgiving table.  In my house, it doesn’t have to be one or the other. 

After a hearty Thanksgiving meal, the inevitable food coma sets in. This blissful state of post-feast relaxation is a hallmark of the holiday, a time when we succumb to the comforting drowsiness induced by our overindulgence. This is when the blessing of coffee is needed.  Not just any coffee, but the bitter black goodness that sticks to your insides. I know, I know, not everyone likes their coffee this way.  So I do leave a coffee bar of select sweeteners and flavored creams for the guests. 

The most important component of the Thanksgiving holiday is partaking in moderation. There is nothing worse than the sense of guilt over our culinary indulgences. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, let's use this as an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a healthy lifestyle. Give yourself a break and enjoy the feast just add a vow to kickstart your fitness routine and banish those lingering guilt pangs. Remember, Thanksgiving is a time for joy, gratitude, and togetherness. So let's embrace the festivities, indulge in the culinary delights, and cherish the memories we create with loved ones. Just don't forget to add a dash of lightheartedness to the mix, because laughter and joy are the perfect spices for any Thanksgiving feast.

Until next time…