My sister and I grew up celebrating Thanksgiving mostly in the high-end restaurants our mother managed. After our Thanksgiving meal, we would be sent off to a movie. Occasionally we enjoyed a more traditional Thanksgiving with our stepmother's family. The best was when we visited our father's extended family. All the aunts, uncles, and cousins would come to our grandmother's house. These were rare occasions involving long distance travel. I cherish the memories! ( I spent years and considerable $ acquiring the china pattern we used at the children's table- I use it frequently and always on Thanksgiving). This china makes me smile!
When I was 15 I decided that I would shop for and prepare the Thanksgiving feast rather than go to a restaurant. Our stepmother had taught me many cooking skills. As I worked, our mother was so impressed that she took the day off and invited some friends to join us. One guest actually brought flowers! Another guest was the owner of a large record shop. He was so pleased with the dinner that he gave my sister and me generous gift certificates ( I still have some of those vinyl albums!).
Almost every year since I have prepared and hosted the Thanksgiving celebration.
This year (here comes the self care part -at last!😉 ). I woke up Thursday feeling totally stressed. All of the stresses of this autumn took their toll- the loss of my greenhouse and the plant rescue operations, the temporary (I hope!!) loss of my housekeeper/garden help, some growing pains about yet another career change... To top it off one of my cats has started leaving puddles of bloody urine all over the house. Fortunately we have a wonderful veterinarian who makes house calls. My little cat is doing better. Still, when I woke up early Thursday, I did not feel well, and after feeding the cats I slipped on a puddle I had missed when cleaning up. It was the last straw. I sat down and decided there was no way I was going to cook a big turkey, make pies, etc. I went to my room - put on clean pajamas and went back to bed. I telephoned the guests and invited them for Saturday. Everyone was very obliging!
I spent the whole of Thanksgiving in bed napping, reading, and listening to music. It was lovely!
In years past I would have pushed through- with less than optimal results. By Thursday night I would have been very ill indeed. I have finally learned to take care of myself and not worry when I must occasionally disappoint people. As it was, no one was really disappointed. The turkey, the pies, etc. were delicious. We were all just as thankful as we would have been on Thursday!
Have you ever opted to take care of yourself and cancel an engagement? Have you ever enjoyed a holiday just resting?
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