I feel like sort of an “imposter” on this thread. For the
past few years, we have been going “out” for holiday meals;
to state parks, Shoney’s, and other places.
For years, I had to cook until I could have screamed. My
MIL dictated that I had to cook; and husband was into what
ever pleased “Mommy”. In all fairness, there were potlucks
at various family members’ homes. MIL passed away a few
years ago at almost 89 yrs. old; and it freed me up. She
had some good points in all fairness; but a lot of those
centered around *her* royal children. “Royal” and “Spoiled”
sort of rhyme.
This Thursday, we went to Shoney’s. It was a *little*
pricey; and hubby grumbled about it until I couldn’t really
enjoy my meal. So, I decided if the Lord lets me live
until next Thanksgiving; I am going to have a couple of
turkey tv dinners in the freezer, open a can of cranberry
sauce, toss it on the table and say, “ENJOY!!”
I’m sorry. I’m old & tired! (It just irks me, too, that
his brother’s grandchildren can be perfect pissants about
ANY cooking for ANYTHING and it’s just WONDERFUL how
WONDERFUL they are. SIL “has” to cook the holiday meals
at home, freeze the food, and haul it for six hours one-way
so those privileged girls don’t have to cook. She’s
retired now; but she did that when she held down a full
time job!) I just don’t fit in to that family dynamic.
Twinkie has to learn the hard way, I guess.
GO ASIAN-—NO COOKING NEEDED.
Soften Asian rice papers in water (the kind used for spring rolls). Fill w/ leftovers....turkey, veg, stuffing. Top w/ srircha, maybe a drizzle of Hoison sauce.
Add a dip made of cranberry sauce spiked w/ soy sauce.
These are delectable served cold.
I think every family has a story like that.
Those frozen Jenny-O turkey loaves are really handy; and we did refrigerated mashed potatoes this year, the kind from Bob Evans, completely acceptable.
You have to decide for yourself what you can do, and learn to say ‘No’, politely. Once you’ve done that, don’t bother with what people think.
They aren’t living your life, you are.
-JT