I’m not cooking for Thanksgiving: We’re going to Disney!
I threatened last year not to cook for Thanksgiving but still ended up working all day on a giant meal for my little family that took all of 30 minutes to eat.
We didn’t have any visitors last year, which made it even sadder. Plus, Michael hates turkey so no matter how juicy or golden brown you manage to make your bird he would rather have pasta. And that doesn’t make you feel good after cooking all day.
So this year, I am just NOT doing it. We have family coming, and I proposed that instead of sitting around overeating and watching football that we take the kids to Disneyland as an early Christmas present.
Let me clarify, I feel like we are still celebrating Thanksgiving. I have many, many thing to be thankful for. I am just not cooking all day for a meal that takes 30 minutes to eat.
And I am thrilled with the Disneyland plan for several reasons.
No. 1 — I’m not having the stress of planning, shopping and making sure that turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, beans and rolls are all finished at the same time. Instead, we are having lunch with the Disney Princesses Thanksgiving Day in Ariel’s Grotto – seafood and steak.
No 2. – The grandparents are giving the kids an experience for Christmas instead of just “stuff.” I couldn’t afford to take a family of five to Disneyland. (It’s more expensive than Disneyworld, which is so annoying!) Michael hates Disney parks and would have fought even going. So this way our family doesn’t have to worry about shipping presents to the kids, they get to spend wonderful time with the kids and enjoy Disney.
Have you ever said screw it on Thanksgiving and not cooked? Did you eat out? Did you do another activity with your family? Would you miss not having a big meal or being at your house?
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128 comments Add your comment
Kat
November 20th, 2012
9:15 am
@MJG: Isn’t an hour away from the park still considered the parking lot? :-) It’s best for me that I am not that close to those parks – too much fun to look at it from afar.
@TWG: We had lunch with the princesses in Orlando and that was incredibly fun. I was surprised I enjoyed it, but the girls had an amazing time! Happy to see that you will have this opportunity.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 20th, 2012
9:16 am
“I don’t cook. I pay people for that. ”
Yes, you pay pizza delivery drivers to deliver your extra large pizzas every night. I’m sure you’re a milf in your own mind.
Jeff
November 20th, 2012
9:16 am
Donna, the Jeff that has been on here for a while didn’t type those terribly rude things. Sometimes people do that for their own amusement.
Jeff
November 20th, 2012
9:17 am
The long-time Jeff is done with this one for the day for obvious reasons. Anything after this isn’t me.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 20th, 2012
9:18 am
“Have you ever said screw it on Thanksgiving and not cooked? Did you eat out? Did you do another activity with your family? Would you miss not having a big meal or being at your house?
1: No.
2: Once.
3: No.
4: Not sure what that even means.
AngryRedMarsWoman
November 20th, 2012
9:18 am
For a split-second this year I considered going out to eat for Thanksgiving. I even asked my husband and teenage son about it – “whatever makes you happy”, they said. It is just the three of us – I am vegetarian, husband is “kinda vegetarian” and my son likes red meat or ham (no turkey). I work – a lot – and my husband is at home trying to start a business, so for a moment I thought it might be more relaxing for both of us to have someone else do the meal. I have decided that I will make a small meal for us to eat all day – not only do I not like the thought of making other people work on Thanksgiving, but my husband is deploying a few days later and will be gone through early next year, so I thought it would be nice just to hang out at home. Next year my son will be old enough for us all to volunteer to help the less fortunate (who knew that there were so many rules about donating your time?), so this might be my last year cooking. Love….don’t judge. Peace and Goodwill to all.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 20th, 2012
9:19 am
“Donna, the Jeff that has been on here for a while didn’t type those terribly rude things. Sometimes people do that for their own amusement.”
Jess, since you’re going to call me Donna, I will now refer to you as Jess. I don’t really care if you’re rude but I do know that you’re not smart.
J
November 20th, 2012
9:22 am
I enjoy cooking this time of year. I enjoy all the noise and house full of friends and family. I do however plan so that I’m not in the kitchen all day. If you prep you should be fine. Its all about spending time with family and creating memories.
homeschooler
November 20th, 2012
9:26 am
“Why, are you a child predator?”
@ Donnan. No, but I do investigate child sexual abuse and I was seriously wondering about you.
How????Why???
November 20th, 2012
9:30 am
Why does the hate for President Obama always have to find its way into every single blog. Geesh! Unhappy, ignorant people makes my ass itch. Get over it already!
Beaver Cleaver's Mom
November 20th, 2012
9:34 am
Don’t blame me – I voted for Romney.
BehindEnemyLines
November 20th, 2012
9:37 am
Have done WDW at the holidays more than once, have gone on other mini-vacations at Thanksgiving as well. Some of the most memorable & enjoyable holidays of my life, absolutely zero regrets about it. I’d bet a buck you won’t have any either & the kids will consider it one of the most special holidays of their lives. Enjoy.
no name
November 20th, 2012
9:37 am
then June, you are officially “a loser”
no name
November 20th, 2012
9:37 am
then June, you are officially “a loser”
JOD
November 20th, 2012
9:41 am
Wow, the party started early today.
To each her own, but spending the day at Disney doesn’t sound like Thanksgiving to me. I’m with Mayhem on this one. My great aunt hosts and cooks the turkey, but we all bring 1-2 dishes with us so she isn’t cooking everything. That seems fair so no one is providing the whole meal. It also means that everything is pretty much done, and we get to enjoy the day together.
For the first time in what seems like forever, we can have the Tech-GA game on in the background. That was a tradition when I was little, and I have missed it. We are a family divided, so it is always a good time to watch the game together.
Happy Thanksgiving, all, and Gooooo Jackets! Sting ‘em!
Mayhem
November 20th, 2012
9:49 am
@AngryMars – why not try Cornish Game Hens, instead of a big old turkey???? They are much easier to cook and everyone gets their own! We did that one year and everyone enjoyed them!!! Boxed stuffing and some veggies. Viola!!!
And for the obnoxious posters – KNOCK IT OFF!!! it’s the holidays and we need to be nice to each other. So please stop it. You are taking the wind out of my sails…..
ATL06
November 20th, 2012
9:49 am
My son went to Disneyworld with his Grandparents for Thanksgiving about 4 years ago. While he said it was a lot easier to manuever at that time he really just isn’t a fan of the whole Disney experience.
Teresa
November 20th, 2012
9:52 am
Seems like you may have lost the meaning of Thanksgiving. I work full time as well – and just like at work, “I plan ahead” and finish some of the cooking (freeze it) early on, so when the “project is due,” all pieces come together and the project is complete – with no stress I might add. Note, however, Thanksgiving isn’t a project to me. It’s love and thankfulness for oh so many things, spending time with my family, focusing on what it means to be thankful and building memories they can fondly reflect upon years from now. Would my family like to go to Disneyland? You betcha. But ask someone who went to Disneyland for Thanksgiving because their parents didn’t want to cook versus spending time at home focusing on the meaning of Thanksgiving and quality at-home time – which they would prefer? I’d bet my last dollar it would be at home building and living Thanksgiving traditions.
sassyteacher
November 20th, 2012
9:53 am
TWG, go to Disneyland and have a ball! Thanksgiving is not about cooking and eating, it is about spending time with loved ones and expressing thanks for all that you have and value, period. You can do that anywhere, anytime-even in California at Disneyland. I wish I could join you. Enjoy your vacation.
ATL06
November 20th, 2012
9:56 am
I also am not a big fan of turkey so my family either roasts cornish hens or chicken.
Becky
November 20th, 2012
9:59 am
Theresa, enjoy your time at Disney..It doesn’t matter if you cook dinner, go out or just eat sandwiches, as long as it works for you and your family..
Like Mayhem, I enjoy cooking, so that’s what I will do..Or go to Mayhem’s house.. :)
Trust me, I would much rather be anywhere except with some of my family on Thanksgiving..They all think that it’s a day to get as drunk as possible. or as high as possible..Then one always has to start a huge fight..So, yeah, Disney sounds great..
@longtime Jeff..Have a wonderful Thanksgiving..
ATLWmn
November 20th, 2012
10:00 am
It is sad that a traditional holiday of simplicity and thanks-giving has turned into a me-centric getaway. Preparing the dinner shouldn’t be seen as an inconvenience, but a joy to contribute to the day and meal. Call me traditional, but I will be in the kitchen that day ensuring that my man and family are well-fed and happy. And oh yeah, I’ll also be watching football AFTER breaking bread with my loved ones. Enjoy a simple day off from the hectic world and slow yourself down long enough to see the blessings in your life. You don’t have to escape life to enjoy it.
camille
November 20th, 2012
10:04 am
Theresa..
I am not cooking this year. My son is a picky eater, daugther #2 is in Hawaii with friends and daughter #1 is in college and plans to hang out with friends all weekend so no eating leftovers for us.
I say make a new tradition. If it works for your family, then go for it. I love the tradition of the holidays but sometimes, just sometimes, I enjoy something alittle different.
Mark
November 20th, 2012
10:07 am
I’m surprised, by looking at the picture of Theresa I would have thought she eats a Thanksgiving meal every day of the week.
Ostrich Racer
November 20th, 2012
10:10 am
I just realized why there are so many trolls on Momania today — Jim Galloway is on vacation. The political sock puppets have to find some other forum for irritating people trying to have an intelligent conversation.
itpdude
November 20th, 2012
10:15 am
I would live to hear one of the daily squabbles in that house.
Longtime Educator
November 20th, 2012
10:19 am
Good grief, People! They’re taking a one year break from the traditional Thanksgiving celebration to celebrate the holiday in a different way. I think any time kids can spend time with Grandparents (and especially on a vacation) is a wonderful thing! Also, Theresa’s kids are a good age for Disney. Theresa, I’m with you on this and I look forward to my grandson being old enough so we can possibly do this one year.
x
November 20th, 2012
10:20 am
Whew I will feel better knowing that your kids and poor husband don’t have to sit through what I can only imagine a horrible meal.
AngryRedMarsWoman
November 20th, 2012
10:22 am
I just got a call – we are adding a guest for Thanksgiving! Someone who has to work on Friday and thus cannot travel to see his family this year. Looks like @Mayhem’s suggestion of Cornish Game Hens will be the new plan…along with ham for the boy and tons of veggies and homemade stuffing (with veggie broth, sorry to the carnivores) for me. Cranberry sauce….yum…and football. To each his/her own. I really don’t consider it work to cook for Thanksgiving and Christmas (or any other day, for that matter)….it isn’t like you have to stand in front of the oven the entire time, and I use the dishwasher instead of hand washing for those bigger meals.
DONNAN OF A NEW ERA
November 20th, 2012
10:23 am
“No, but I do investigate child sexual abuse and I was seriously wondering about you.”
And you have what to back up that claim, jerk?
x
November 20th, 2012
10:24 am
I would like to see a pic of you with some food between that big old ghetto gap in your teeth. maybe you can take the money your are not spending and go to the dentist.
Me
November 20th, 2012
10:24 am
If it hasn’t changed, Thanksgiving is one of the worst dates to attend either Disneyland or Disneyworld – the dates between Thanksgiving and Christmas are usually some of the better days but Thanksgiving itself is historically bad due to the number of visitors. And I am definitely the opposite, i very much prefer Disneyworld over Disneyland. And, as far as cooking or otherwise, do what is right for you and your family – No one else should really care.
Mayhem
November 20th, 2012
10:24 am
Like I said, we go to my parents house for T-Day. We will watch football, put a puzzle together (tradition for Tday & Christmas, we pick them out in August). Mom will cook, and I will help as it gets closer to getting on the table, I usually mash the potatoes. The kids will fight over who gets to light the candles…LOL (the only arguing allowed). Then, my Dad or brother will carve the Turkey, and we set it up Buffet style in the dining room. Mom will have the table decorated and set, with all her beautiful china, candles, and the Publix Pilgrims Salt & Pepper shakers.
Once we are all sat at the table, we will go around and each one of us will give thanks for something in our lives. Material possessions are not to be thanked…LOL. Then we fix our plates and dig in!!!!!
x
November 20th, 2012
10:26 am
Just wanted to invite everyone here to a local circle jerk. We need a pivot person with strong arms.
x
November 20th, 2012
10:30 am
Hey we could all take turns pulling our sacks over our heads afterwards. It would be more fun than being at tis hacks house.
Orlando
November 20th, 2012
10:32 am
No need to get nasty with the comments, talking bad about Theresa is making you look like a jerk.
old timer
November 20th, 2012
10:35 am
Screw all you people. A lot of people including my family are hurting worse than ever this year. Arguing about what to cook or which theme park to go to is salt being rubbed into my wound. We can’t afford to have a real thanksgiving dinner this year much less take a trip. it will also be the first time I can’t provide a Christmas for my kids. LIFE SUCKS!
Karen Moore
November 20th, 2012
10:38 am
It is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING that EVERYTHING is blamed on OBAMA. I did vote for President Obama but he has nothing to do with this mother not wanting to cook on Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving is not about FOOD and SHOPPING. The true meaning of Thanksgiving is being thankful!
She is BLESSED to be able to even travel in this economy.
Happy Thanksgiving to all of you! I am thankful for GOD, life, health, family, and friends.
People get a LIFE! Try being positive instead of all the negativity, I can ASSURE you that you will feel BETTER!
kimmer
November 20th, 2012
10:43 am
Where is it written down that “thou shalt prepare and eat a massive feast and watch football on TV for thanksgiving”. Doesn’t matter what you do as long as you are spending quality time with those you love which is the purpose of the big meal anyway. Go have fun. Sounds like it will be a wonderful time of making family memories that will last a lifetime.
LS
November 20th, 2012
10:43 am
TWG…you bragged about what a great hostess you are a few days ago because you bought books, soap, and towels for your guest. But you refuse to provide a meal for them on Thanksgiving? It doesn’t have to be elaborate, and ask the other adults to help out. It’s all about you as usual….
PS
November 20th, 2012
10:50 am
Hey, whatever floats your boat. For me, I love cooking. So, it’s not a chore for me to be in the kitchen. Besides, this is one of the few days a year that the entire family can get together. It’s not just about the meal – we spend all day together. Eating, watching the Parade, Football, kids playing in the yard, etc.
Steve
November 20th, 2012
10:50 am
Kay, you sound like the heavy right handed Christian that likes to judge everyone. Ignorant comes to mind. What an example that you’re setting for your children. Hate comes to mind.
Steve
November 20th, 2012
10:52 am
Karen, this has nothing to do with our current President but this thread goes to show how ignorant half of America is. They are the haters of the world teaching their children to do the same. The good thing is that the numbers are reducing with this group of haters.
Bravesfan77
November 20th, 2012
10:57 am
Once again, people are not forced to work on a holiday. They get paid to work on the holiday. If they don’t want to work then quit. There are millions of people out of work who would be grateful to work the holiday and then some.
By the way, I am cooking.
Why?
November 20th, 2012
11:00 am
The internet is a horrible place full of people’s true spirits – which are clearly horrible as well.
Can’t even cut it out on the holidays, can you? You can’t be shamed into stopping. Reason, logic, simply common courtesy holds no meaning in your life when you’re anonymous, behind a computer screen. Not a whit of thought is given to how your words my cut or sting.
If there’s an afterlife, I hope you pay for it, all of you.
People that have family to visit during the holidays don’t even know how lucky they are. Enjoy it, TWG, however you see fit.
Mayhem
November 20th, 2012
11:35 am
@OldTimer – you and your family are more than welcome at my table. We have plenty of food and love to go around.
On the bright side, look at what you DO have. Count your blessings. You are healthy, your kids are healthy, you have a roof over your head and food on the table. So much more than a lot of folks out there.
It could be worse. You could be cleaning up after Sandy for the holidays, like our friends up North.
Watchful Eyes
November 20th, 2012
11:44 am
I stopped Thanksgiving years ago. I live alone. No reason to cook for myself, but I usually am invited to someone’s house. I also stopped Christmas. i got tired of people taking presents back to exchange or the re-gifting of my presents to people……presents I put a lot of thought into. Guess what. No presents no meal AND NO DARNED STRESS…..just a quiet and peaceful day.
livinatl
November 20th, 2012
11:44 am
Amazing how narrow minded people can be…if someone else’s life doesn’t fit in your little mold then they must be neglecting their families, not keeping their man happy, disregarding traditions, etc. You guys need to step outside of your own little world and stop acting like your culture and your traditions are the only way to go…get a grip folks!
MomsRule
November 20th, 2012
11:46 am
Who would have thought one families plans for Thanksgiving would cause so many to display such ugliness.
There is no right or wrong way to spend Thanksgiving.
My oldest son has requested steak this year. Sounds good to me. :)
livinatl
November 20th, 2012
11:48 am
I agree with BravesFan77, most of the people I know that work on a holiday, choose to do so. They adjust their schedule so they can obtain holiday pay….which is pretty good compared to their daily rate.