The preparation always began the night before the big meal.
The shopping had been done during the week prior
Mom was the commander in the kitchen. Anyone around for the holiday was part of the prep staff.
The smell of the chopped onions sauteed in butter filled the air as the base for the creamed spinach, creamed onions and sauteed mushrooms.The sausage was also cooking while we tore up the bread for stuffing. Shrimp was cleaned and cocktails sauce prepared.
The rest of the meal would be assembled the next day, when we returned from the parade.
Most times the fourth Thursday in November had a chill in the air or was down right cold.
Dad would load us all in the station wagon and off we went.
Trying to find a parking spot was always a challenge. Dad would drive around looking for a free parking spot. He always manager to maneuver into the smallest spots with ease.
Going to the parade was a treat. We knew not to ask for any souvenirs or hot chocolate or big pretzels or roasted chestnuts. Mom and Dad just didn't have the extra money for those treats and we kids knew it.
The wind would whip down the streets of NYC through the tall buildings.
We would dress in layers. Even though we would bundle up, it was still cold. Very cold.
Dad always took us to where the parade began uptown. It would make our escape route that much easier.
The marching bands, the clowns and best of all was the balloons.
Since the parades purpose was to bring Santa to Macy's, the end of the parade was always Santa's float.
The minute Santa passed us, the race was on. Dad herded us back to our station wagon in record time. His goal, be back home by the time Santa had reached Macy's at 34th Street on TV.
Most years, he succeeded in his goal.
Back at home, the table was set.
The shrimp cocktail was placed in front of each place setting.
And this is when Mom worked her magic.
Various vegetables with sauces were finished, sweet potatoes, mashed potatoes, turnips were all somehow ready on time and came to the table piping hot.
I never figured out her ability to time all of the parts of the meal with such accuracy.
Finally, it was time to dig in.
Once the appetizers were done, they were quickly cleared away.
Next was the procession of the foods that made up the maim meal.
Dad of course carved the turkey.
I felt like the meal should last hours based on the time it took to prepare.
And it did go on much longer than our normal dinner.
The table was cleared and we all took a breather.
Meanwhile, as great a cook as my mother was when it came to cleaning up as she cooked Mom was a total failure.
The kitchen looked like a bomb had hit it. A disaster area. There wasn't an ounce of counter space to be seen.
During the break between dinner and dessert, the girls tackled the kitchen.
Mom's job was over and ours had just begun.
It took a long time to pack up the left overs and store them in the basement fridge, clean the floating potato skins out of the sink and make sure the turkey carcass had been picked clean.
Time to wash the dishes. It was done in assembly line format. Wash, dry and put away. The good china stored away in the hutch for the next holiday.
Finally, the coffee was made and the apple, pumpkin and mince pies were all brought to the table. Fresh made whipped cream in a bowl and vanilla ice cream all made an appearance. If I was lucky, Chocolate Cracker Pudding had been heated and was ready to serve with it's sugar and butter sauce melting down it's sides.
The air was filled with conversation, laughter and the sound of the wood cracking in the fireplace in the sunken living room. We could see the fire going from our dining room table. And finally the sound of Christmas music could be heard from the stereo.
Perfection.
I have thought from time to time about how much I would love be able to go back to one of those holiday dinners.
Life changes, people move and we lose our loved ones.
This year, Jenn and I will get up and watch the parade.
We will put a fire in the fireplace.
Our dinner will be simple and starch laden. Turkey breast, corn, real mashed potatoes, cranberries (in the shape of the can) and Stove Top stuffing will be our meal.
We won't use the good china.
There will not be a selection of pies for dessert.
I love pumpkin pie. Usually, I buy a cheap one and have one slice and pitch the rest. I know it's a waste but I cannot have the rest of the pie in my house. Otherwise within a week, I will have eaten the whole thing!!
We will have finished decoration by Thursday, we can finally turn on the tree lights.
We will watch football, listen to Christmas music and I am sure find a Christmas movie to watch.
Not exactly like the Thanksgiving dinners of my past.
But I will as I have every fourth Thursday of November, give thanks for those who have added to my life.
For the memories and the blessing I have received, I am truly thankful.
See you next week.
