Week 36: When my kids were little one of their favorite books that we would read when they had a bad day was “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. Poor Alexander sees everything going wrong during the day and he dreams of going to Australia because everything would be better there. The book ends with the phrase, “Some days are like that even in Australia.” That is a regular saying in our house even now on very bad days.
The picture above really was dinner the other night. You know what? It was perfect. As simple as it was a turkey and Swiss sandwich on white bread it was what we needed to get through the day. I think we start to think that to feed our families we need elaborate meals with the perfect combination of vegetables, protein, and that looks amazing on the table. Some days whatever it takes to get through it is good. This day was busy and we were all tired when we got to the end. Even dialing the phone for takeout and going out to pick up the food was too difficult.
You know what? It’s okay. It’s fine to pull out that frozen pizza. Make toast with peanut butter and jelly on it. Open the can of soup and put it in the microwave. Some days are about easy and getting a meal on the table. We all do it. We may not all admit it to each other but one my kid’s favorite meals are the days I open up the cupboard and let them choose their favorite cold cereal for dinner. It’s okay.
Especially as we are entering another phase of unknowns here in the United States with Covid-19, the flu, the holidays, be gentle with yourself and your family. Choose what is best for you and yours and know that it is okay. Enjoy your pancakes, PB&J, or even a turkey sandwich for dinner. You deserve it!
I talked to my family about Thanksgiving. This is the first time in 4 years that we will be home on Thanksgiving. We usually are at a Oireachtas (Irish dance regionals) for my daughter on Thanksgiving Day. So, this year I thought they would want to do the big dinner that they usually miss. I asked both children separately what they would like for dinner. They both gave me the same answer, appetizers. This has become our family tradition while traveling. We would have appetizers on Thanksgiving day and have our big dinner some other day. So, we will continue our Thanksgiving tradition with having just appetizers on Thursday and having our dinner some other day. Whatever works best or you and yours is always best.
What's for Dinner Moms? 
I agree that some days, simple is best all around, Marci.
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I love that you’re going with the tradition of appetizers!! It’s one thing that’ll feel a little bit normal in this crazy year.
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Thank you! It makes me smile to just think about how my family wants what they are used to no matter what.
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Appetizers are my family’s tradition in Christmas Eve! My mother served an app buffet when we were kids and we’ve carried it through our kids and now with their families. I try to find a couple of new apps each year but they mostly request the oldies but goodies. I’m sad to not be together this year but it is just one year. We’ll appreciate it that much more next year! Happy holidays to you and your family!
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Same to you! I love the traditions that carry through to our next generations.
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You don’t know me Audrey, but I think our moms must have been sisters (HaHa) because my Mom always served an appetizer buffet on Christmas Eve. I carried on the tradition and now my married children are doing the same!. Our family got too big for a sit-down dinner, and we all had separate in-laws to dine with on Christmas. Recently I have been downsizing my recipes and I asked each of my six children (separately) for favorites. The same few apps spanning three generations turned up on each list. My husband’s side of family has over 100 family members from seven siblings and my side of the family has 55 (and am only counting blood relatives, not spouses) with six siblings. It got to feel like the mess hall for the Union Army very quickly. That’s why this year will feel like solitary confinement with dinner for two; but better to wear a mask at Thanksgiving than a ventilator at Christmas.
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It’s nice to meet you, Patricia. Your family sounds lovely. Our extended family is large on both sides but is spread out geographically. I would love to cook finger foods for 100! I almost do, since we have so many leftovers we send containers home with everyone. Chatting and playing games until 3 am is our favorite part. Nibbling all night is the bonus. It won’t seem like a holiday without the camaraderie. We will most likely go online to visit, we’re all good with electronics. We can adapt to be safe. I wish you a safe and healthy holiday season!
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That does sound wonderful! By the way Pat is my sister-in-law.
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appetizers are just as good as a huge dinner! Actually I prefer appetizers!
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