[EJ711]

My goal this year is to make each of the three holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years) as normal as possible. Another way of putting this is we hope to have unholidays, or minimal holidays this year into early next.

Since there is just the two of us, besides are HUGE four-legged family, I made something simple but yummy. Husband picked out some 3" x 3" soft rolls in the bakery section of the grocery store, and I made shrimp salad. The shrimp salad was delectable on the soft rolls, and we had our sandwiches with potato chips (kettle style). We had dutch apple pie from the bakery at the grocery store. No fuss -- no bother -- no relatives.

Please share your holiday stories.

EJ

[jbug]

I went to my family thing at my Aunt's house. It went better than I anticipated which is a good thing.

I was worried about the food police and they didn't even pay attention to what I was eating and what I wasn't eating which is a first for my family.

After lunch I went into my Aunt's guest bedroom and crawled up on the bed and took a nap. When I woke up some were playing Mexican Train (a domino game) and some were watching football. I sat near my mom and helped her play the game. I was trying not to laugh at my Grandma because she was trying to explain the rules of the game but she kept changing the rules almost every hand. It was confusing because you never knew what she was going to change the rule to. I think my Grandma's mind is starting to go but if you mention it to her she denies it and says she is 84 what do you expect?

My other cousin's and Aunt and Uncle came later on in the day so I got to see them and my pregnant cousin she is so funny waddling around. She is due in mid-January.

Jbug

[EJ711]

Jbug,

I'm glad your family is finally letting your grow up! What a relief!

EJ

[SeptemberMorn]

To begin with, I was really dreading winter this year. Been hating the shorter days of autumn and then the time change made it even worse. However, it's been raining and the plants haven't needed watering. The weeds are really gonna go gangbusters, I'm sure.

This year, I decided to have Thanksgiving a few days early to avoid whatever hassles might pop up with my two boys. Their wives would rather spend that day with their parents and the boys give in to them. It was surprising how well it went.

The oldest boy, who is the one who usually drags his feet on things that aren't his idea even sounded a bit excited when I called to invite them over. The baby boy and his wife were excited about being together with the other family. It sorta surprised me but it was good.

We had the traditional turkey, mashed potatoes made without milk but still delish, two kinds of stuffing, candied yams and baked sweet potatoes, rolls and everybody decided to keep our veggies raw, so we had a relish tray to munch before and during dinner. The girls each made a couple of pies so we still have a whole pie in the fridge.

For some reason, Thankgsiving is a big day for me. It doesn't bother me not having a housefull of kids on Christmas morning anymore. It would be nice if the families would go to church with J and I on Christmas Eve, but it's not a big thing... yet. It bothers me that these five grandkids aren't getting any kind of religious instruction. The other four are. We'll see what happens on that.

EJ, to me, it's not "normal" to not have some kind of festivies for the holidays.

Now I've gotta get busy making gifts for everyone. It's better than shopping for them, though!

[pachyderm]

Here's something I have discovered that makes a nice quick snack (with a few dabs of butter or margarine on the top after heating): I mix some cornbread mix but instead of making the usual cornbread I drop a couple of spoonfuls of the mix onto a flat baking surface for each of several little cornbread cookie-like things. 15 minutes at 400 degrees does it. Then I can store them in the refrigerator or freezer to pop into my toaster oven when I want one (or two). I got started on this when I could not find the corn toaster cakes that they used to make, in any store.

[ne1410s]

Yesterday I had my very first Thanksgiving (well...the first non-dysfunctional one)

I went to my foster mum's mother's house with her fiance. Her mother cooked mashed potatoes, turkey, carrots, mac and cheese, and cranberry sauce! It was all so wonderful.

I met some of her family and they welcomed me...made me feel at home. I felt like I belonged to a loving family

For once I had a non-stressful holiday!!

[EJ711]

Pachy,

How clever and creative!

Thanks for sharing!

EJ

[EJ711]

Hi NE1410s,

Thank you for sharing your Thanksgiving story.

It really touched my heart.

EJ

[EJ711]

OK, there is a downside to my simple Thanksgiving supper -- no leftovers.

A piece of trivia -- National Sandwich Day is Nov. 3 (I know I'm a little late on reporting this) -- the birthday of John Montagu, the fourth Earl of Sandwich. He came up with the idea of the sandwich so he could eat, and still have one hand free to continue to play cards.

The picture in the publication where I found this trivia has a lovely picture of a turkey sandwich, on some scrumptious looking three grain bread, with whole cranberry sauce and buttermilk ranch dressing.

OK, who has some leftover turkey. I'm coming.

EJ

[EnglishMajor]

I hate the holidays and most especially Christmas. I have no shopping list because there is no one to buy gifts for, which is fair enough I suppose because I don't receive any gifts. I kind of solved this issue by buying things from ebay.com, not opening them when they arrive, stashing them in a closet and then opening them on Christmas. I know, it's pathetic.

In the past I have bought gifts for Salvation Army angel tree recipients, which I enjoyed, but I would love to buy a gift for someone that I know and see their reaction.

Sorry.

[gimmeice]

(((((((((((((((( EnglishMajor ))))))))))))))))

I don't think buying stuff on ebay for yourself and saving it until christmas is pathetic, I think it is a good idea. Are there any programs in your area that you can sign up for to meet others in your area that are also alone on holidays? There are charities in my area that allows you to deliver donated things to families in need, we did that one year. I am sorry that you are struggling with the holidays.

[(JD)]

Let's hear it for the Montegu's!!!

((((EJ)))) Make mine without wheat in the bread?

[EJ711]

English Major,

Are you in college?

Thank you for sharing your story. Your E-bay and Angel Tree strategies are very clever and make the holiday work for you and others.

It's OK to be on your own every other day of the year, I wish the holidays put extra pressure on people to have family. Some of us just don't have any or limited numbers at far away places.

Please feel free to PM.

EJ

Originally Posted by EnglishMajor

I hate the holidays and most especially Christmas. I have no shopping list because there is no one to buy gifts for, which is fair enough I suppose because I don't receive any gifts. I kind of solved this issue by buying things from ebay.com, not opening them when they arrive, stashing them in a closet and then opening them on Christmas. I know, it's pathetic.

In the past I have bought gifts for Salvation Army angel tree recipients, which I enjoyed, but I would love to buy a gift for someone that I know and see their reaction.

Sorry.

[EJ711]

Gimme-Ice,

Do you really like the cold weather? Is that what your username means?

I hope maybe you can "brainwash" me to like the colder weather.

I love your C.S. Lewis quote, "Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You, too? Thought I was the only one."

That's powerful.

EJ