Holiday Happenings : Discussions : The Countdown to Thanksgiving! -- Mom to Mom Forums Tallahassee MomsLikeMe.com

Holiday Happenings

The Countdown to Thanksgiving!

1355 posts

Posted by ElizabethQ on Nov 02, 2009 at 01:46 PM

Yup! Don't look now, but Thanksgiving is right around the corner!

Let's talk about all our traditions as we Countdown to Thanksgiving!

"Here's an idea on getting your family in the thankful mood the whole month of November:

In our family, we have a big 'I Am Thankful for Box' in a public area with slips of paper and a pen where each member of the family will spend time to write a little note to each other member of the family. Usually, we get 2-3 from each person. We write what we are thankful for about that particular person (trait) or thank them for something they've done (action). We keep the notes anonymous until Thanksgiving dinnertime where we each take our slips and read them aloud to the family. Then, we tuck these precious notes away as keepsakes. It makes such a big difference in our family as even husbands are showing appreciation to wives, and vice versa. Siblings are saying encouraging things and building each other up."

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

A little Orangutan cooling off! ----->> http://bit.ly/RoKZI

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127 posts

bellasmommy7

on Nov 02, 2009 at 03:02 PM

I think thats an awesome idea!

I just started talking to my 3yo about Thanksgiving over the weekend and explaining the holiday to her. When I talked about being thankful and asked her what she was thankful for she said "I'm thankful Daddy comes back home to us everyday afer work!"

-Elena

Happy Mommy with a beautiful Princess!!!

1355 posts

ElizabethQ

on Nov 02, 2009 at 09:24 PM

Awwwwww..... that's definitely something to write down! I love it!

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

A little Orangutan cooling off! ----->> http://bit.ly/RoKZI

476 posts

Tricia5dkmom

on Nov 03, 2009 at 06:19 AM

Our tradition is a tablecloth I made years ago. Every year each of us writes the thing we're most thankful for right on the tablecloth in fabric pen and dates it. The kids love finding their "thankfuls" from previous years. In addition, Thanksgiving dinner is a cooperative effort - everyone chooses and makes a dish. Some go with the same thing year after year - my son has made squash casserole since he was two and used a plastic knife, even though he won't eat it - but some scour cookbooks and cooking sites for new ideas. It results in some interesting meals!

Tricia

Tallahassee MLM Discussion Leader

Embrace Entropy!

78 posts

Godismyrefuge

on Nov 03, 2009 at 09:25 AM

Thanks for the idea!

"Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all." British poet Alfred Tennyson

384 posts

Marvelous904

on Nov 03, 2009 at 10:35 AM

Great idea!

"Now" is a gift, that's why it's called the "present."

1355 posts

ElizabethQ

on Nov 06, 2009 at 09:59 AM

How are you cooking your Turkey this year?

Have you ever fried a turkey? This is what my family does every Thanksgiving....

Prep: 15 min., Fry: 45 min., Stand: 15 min. You'll need about 3 to 4 gallons of oil to completely submerge your turkey. Make sure you don't overfill your turkey fryer.

Yield: Makes 10 to 12 servings

Ingredients

2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon salt-free spicy seasoning blend
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried crushed red pepper
1 (12- to 14-lb.) whole frozen turkey, thawed
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
Peanut oil

Preparation

1. Stir together first 5 ingredients.

2. Remove giblets and neck from turkey, and, if desired, reserve for another use. Rinse turkey with cold water. Drain cavity well; pat dry. Rub turkey evenly with 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil. Loosen and lift skin from turkey breasts with fingers without totally detaching skin; spread one-fourth salt mixture evenly underneath. Carefully replace skin. Sprinkle additional one-fourth salt mixture inside cavity; rub into cavity. Sprinkle remaining salt mixture evenly on skin; rub into skin. Place turkey on fryer rod.

3. Pour peanut oil into a deep propane turkey fryer, pouring 10 to 12 inches below top of fryer. Heat to 300° over a medium-low flame according to manufacturer's instructions. Carefully lower turkey into hot oil with rod attachment.

4. Fry 45 minutes or until a meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of thigh registers 165°. (Keep oil temperature between 300° to 325°.) Remove turkey from oil; drain and let stand 15 minutes before slicing.

When slicing.... consider cutting out the entire side of breast and then slicing it. Every slice gets a piece of the skin and it's so much easier to slice that way and there is less meat left on the bones as well.

How do you cook your turkey?????

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

A little Orangutan cooling off! ----->> http://bit.ly/RoKZI

530 posts

CandiceG

on Nov 06, 2009 at 11:07 AM

Great ideas! I and my family have SO many things to be thankful for this year, I think we will definitely be doing something fun to commemorate the holiday!

Candice

Tallahassee MLM Discussion Leader

1355 posts

ElizabethQ

on Nov 08, 2009 at 02:51 PM

Off to Grandma's house for Thanksgiving? Or not sure where you're headed? We talked to Carleton Kendrick, Ed. M., LCSW, family therapist and author of Take Out Your Nose Ring Honey, We're Going to Grandma's.

Kendrick answered a question familiar to new moms during the holidays:

Question: My husband and I just had our first child. Both of our families were looking forward to having us for Thanksgiving dinner at their house. What should we do? How do we choose whose house we go to?

Answer: If possible, spend some time with both of them. Economics, geography, and the age of your infant will influence your decision to travel. When married couples feel pulled between their respective families at holidays, I always suggest not placing a special focus on which family you'll be with for the symbolic holiday event -- whether it be Thanksgiving dinner, opening presents at Christmas, or the Passover Seder.

Spending some time with family during the holiday period is the goal, not seeing who "gets you" for the main event. Rather than making this an annual "which family will be chosen?" contest each year, spend some relaxed, meaningful moments with both families, if possible.

If that's not a workable plan, alternating holidays with each family appears to be the best solution. Have you considered inviting your families to your home for the holiday? This might be a solution that both families would warm to, given your status as a new family. There are no wrong decisions to be made, as long as your decisions are not based on fear and/or guilt. Have a glorious day of thanks. You have much to celebrate.

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

A little Orangutan cooling off! ----->> http://bit.ly/RoKZI

1355 posts

ElizabethQ

on Nov 09, 2009 at 11:33 AM

Kids can decorate the table

Ask kids to draw what they are thankful for on construction paper placemats. Decorate using crayons, markers, leaves and other nature items.
Take kids to the park to gather leaves and acorns to sprinkle on the table.
Help kids make a "thankful jar" from an old jelly jar or coffee canister. Decorate it and include slips of paper with what they are thankful for. Share these thoughts during Thanksgiving dinner.
Small pumpkins make great tabletop decorations. Help children scoop out the pumpkin pulp and place small candles inside to illuminate the room.
Cover the kids' table in butcher paper, and add a coffee can covered in fall-themed scrapbook paper and filled with crayons.
Got a tip to share? Just reply to this thread! Stay tuned for more tips coming up!

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

Check out "A Spidey Birthday", why not post your birthday

celebrations here? ----->> http://bit.ly/BHjeH

1355 posts

ElizabethQ

on Nov 16, 2009 at 10:00 AM

Six Healthy Thanksgiving TIPS

by Brenda J. Ponichtera, registered dietitian and cookbook author.

1. Make Fat-Free Gravy
Save calories when making gravy by pouring pan drippings into a glass measuring cup and allowing it to stand until the fat rises. Every one tablespoon skimmed off is 130 calories. Recipe follows:

Flour Gravy
This will remind you of traditional gravy but it is so much lower in calories because it has no fat. You can use meat drippings (fat removed), canned broth or instant bouillon mixed with water.

1 cup cold fat-free broth*, divided (chicken, turkey, or beef)
2 tablespoons unbleached all-purpose flour
seasonings to taste

Pour 1/4 cup of broth in a covered container. Add flour and shake well to prevent lumps.
Follow directions below for microwave or stovetop.

STOVETOP: In a small saucepan, combine remainder of broth with flour mixture. Cook on medium until boiling, while stirring constantly with a wire whisk. Continue stirring until thickened.

MICROWAVE OVEN: In a 4-cup glass measuring cup, combine remainder of broth with flour mixture. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes (stirring well with a wire whisk after each minute) or until thickened.

Note: Use 3 1/2 tablespoons of flour for one 14.5-ounce can of broth.

VARIATION: Mushroom Gravy—Add one small can of drained mushrooms after the gravy is thickened.
*Sodium is figured for reduced sodium.

Makes 1 cup
8 servings
Each Serving
2 tablespoons
Carb Servings
0
Exchanges
free
Nutrient Analysis
calories 9
total fat 0g
saturated fat 0g
cholesterol 0mg
sodium 47mg
total carbohydrate 2g
dietary fiber 0g
sugars 0g
protein 1g

Recipe Source: *Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas, 3rd Edition, © Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D., www.QuickandHealthy.net (retail $18.95) are published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American Diabetes Association. Individual orders: call 1-800-232-6733 or visit http://www.QuickandHealthy.net. Also available at local and online bookstores.

2. Modify your stuffing recipe
Make a fat-free dressing by substituting broth for the margarine or butter in your recipe. It tastes just as good! You can also add more celery and onion to your recipe to increase the vegetables and further reduce the calories per serving.

3. Serve lighter appetizers
Change your favorite recipes by substituting lower fat ingredients such as low-fat or fat-free yogurt and sour cream. Use fruits and vegetables with dips and spreads, instead of chips or crackers. Remember portion control!

4. Pumpkin Pie Tip
For something more traditional, try lightening your favorite pumpkin pie recipe by substituting evaporated skim milk and egg substitute. Make it with the traditional single crust or lower the calories even more by eliminating the crust. If you are making a crustless pie, be sure to spray the pie pan with nonstick cooking spray before pouring in the filling. This will prevent sticking and make it easier to serve. Top each slice with a dollop of fat-free whipped topping before serving.

5. Lighten your mashed potatoes
Use fat-free milk or fat-free ranch dressing instead of whole milk or half and half. You can further reduce calories by using butter-flavored sprinkles instead of margarine.

6. Approach salads with caution
Salads are great as long as they are not made with regular cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or cream. Your best choice would be a fresh green salad or fruit salad. Add your own low-fat dressing lightly.

Source for Tips 2-6 : **Quick & Healthy Volume II, 2nd Edition, © Brenda J. Ponichtera, R.D., www.QuickandHealthy.net (retail $18.95) are published by Small Steps Press, publishing health conscious books for the general population, a division of the American Diabetes Association. Individual orders: call 1-800-232-6733 or visit http://www.QuickandHealthy.net. Also available at local and online bookstores.

Brenda J. Ponichtera is a registered dietitian and award-winning author with extensive experience in nutrition and diabetes counseling. Her cookbooks, Quick & Healthy Recipes and Ideas AND Quick & Healthy Volume II (www.QuickandHealthy.net) — both Benjamin Franklin Award winners — are designed to prove that healthful eating doesn’t have to take a lot of time in the kitchen. Brenda's cookbooks have been recommended in "O" The Oprah Magazine, Cooking Light, Miami Herald, Shape magazine, and USA Today, as well as by health care professionals, and busy cooks across the country. She is editorial advisor for Today's Diet and Nutrition, she is also active member of the American Dietetic Association and the American Diabetes Association. Ponichtera has sold over 700,000 copies of her Quick & Healthy cookbooks.

Lots of Smiles... Elizabeth Q

Site Leader, Momslikeme.com

Check out "A Spidey Birthday", why not post your birthday

celebrations here? ----->> http://bit.ly/BHjeH