I Learned One Thing This Thanksgiving! Being 50-Something

I've learned something at every stage of life, but being 50-something, the learning sessions have increased. But, this year, November 2023, this lesson has given me a sense of peace and a feeling that all is well.

Every year doing Thanksgiving, I would cook large meals: greens, cornbread, dressing, ham, baked chicken, mac and cheese, fried fish, shrimp, salad, angel eggs, spiked punch, pies, and banana pudding. All that food was and has been a tradition in my life for years, and I mean years. But, over the years, it has become draining and downright tiring to cook and host all that food. 

It takes weeks and sometimes months to prep for any holiday festivity. But, back in the day, I loved doing it for family and friends. Now, as I am getting older, I want simple and easy. I am only catering to no-fuss days in my life, even doing holidays. 

So, of course, I opted for a one-pot meal and two desserts. Rico (the hubs) bought me a 20-ft pot to fix whatever I wanted for Thanksgiving. Of course, I opted to cook gumbo with sweet cornbread and crackers. So, one day, we bought soft shell crabs, lots of chicken, shrimp, and sausage. I did all my shopping and cooking for Thanksgiving in under 24 hours. 

The hubs and I started that night baking pies and fixing banana pudding since it's my family's favorite. 

Another thing I did was set the time to eat at 11:00 am so everyone could help set the table so we could enjoy eating at least by 11:30. It worked because on Thanksgiving day, food was ready, and we all got together eating, cracking crabs and enjoying some good ole' family conversations. Afterward, my oldest daughter cleaned the kitchen and dishes, and my other daughter cleaned up all the cracked crabs left behind. It was a nice day to enjoy without being overworked. 

Later that night, we all enjoyed another bowl and gumbo with desserts. This 2023 was the best year I have ever had because I put my guard down and didn't overwork myself.

Later that night, my second oldest daughter ( Molly, said: Today was beautiful, perfect, nice, and simple. Thank you, momma!

Awwww, insert (tear) right here!

So, that is the lesson, and I learned it on Thanksgiving. Life is beautiful, and it is simple, and it is whatever I make of it. 

And that is the lesson: nothing more and nothing less. My Thanksgiving this year was amazing, and I will continue to make one-pot meals because it's stress-free. Now, what will I cook for Christmas? 

In conclusion, At this point in my life, I am doing only the things that bring me peace, love, and happiness.

Here's to living life beyond existing!

xo Tangie