Less stress and more quality time at Thanksgiving
Psst: it doesn't have to be perfect
TIME FOR DINS is a reader-supported publication, which means zero ads while you’re trying to scroll or cook! For the cost of a latte—$5.95 per month / $59 annually—paid subscribers receive monthly, seasonal recipes, meal plans, and more. The resources I create have been hugely supportive to paid members, and I hope you’ll considering joining the community, or at the very least, supporting my work. ♡
Hello my friends,
As you prepare to gather with friends and family, I’d like to remind you (and myself) that it’s ok to let go of everything being “perfect.”
In fact, it’s just not necessary.
Conversations can be bumpy.
An overcooked turkey is not a tragedy.
Thanksgiving is about giving thanks. It’s about centering gratitude, and with that, comes acknowledging all the forces that brought us to where we are today.
With Thanksgiving, that includes its complex history.
The November Meal Plan includes a primer on having honest conversations and cultivating meaningful traditions around Thanksgiving.
We all have unique, personal stories that led us to our present lives, and there is light to be harvested from each of them!
So instead of getting caught up in the commercial hubbub of table decor and staging an Instagrammable feast, I’m asking myself, how can I:
Prioritize quality time with loved ones
Prioritize rest for myself and my family
Honor and acknowledge where I live through the foods on my table (without pressure to prepare them perfectly!)
Find ways to give back to those who may not be blessed with an abundant table
And yes, I know that cooking a feast can feel daunting, even when we’re not aiming for perfection.
To help quell those nerves, here’s a video I made (six years ago with Cora in my belly) to help you plan and execute a stress-free meal. (Note: The Piggery store mentioned is now closed.)
These five steps will set you up for success, so you can let go of the stress!
Plan the menu
Shop in advance
Stick to a schedule
Be prepared
Delegate
For those of you wanting to delve deeper into Native American culture, which varies widely by region across the country, please take a moment to read this beautiful interview from our friends at One Potato, with inspiring chef Shane Chartrand, author of tawâw: Progressive Indigenous Cuisine.
With forests of frost on my windows,
♡ Emma