Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and…not enough time

Sad, shriveled Pumpkins, that resemble the late Leona Helmsley, sit on steps and by the doorways of homes; Halloween was just here and, already, Satellite Radio is broadcasting various channels of holiday music. Stores started putting up their Christmas displays and Lay-a-Way programs weeks ago in an effort to start capitalizing on revenue from early shoppers.

I’m not ready, not by any means.

It has been a difficult year, economy-wise, for everyone and mustering up any seasonal spirit (beyond a decent Cabernet Sauvignon) will take tremendous patience.

Now, now, I’m not being a Grinch; I enjoy Christmas and have a tendency to completely over-do the whole red & green thing each year. It’s just the matter of never having enough time to do everything and be able to sit back and enjoy my holiday binges of insanity.

That’s why I so look forward to Thanksgiving; a day spent with close family; my Granchildren’s anticipation of “the feast” ahead, wonderful smells drifting throughout the house, crackling fireplace (electric), scented Yankee candles burning everywhere as my husband walks around sneezing and complaining about them.

Ahhhhh, yes, I much prefer Turkey Day!

Right now, I’m in a manic rush to get my house in order; my Florida family arrives Saturday morning and all four of my Grandchildren will soon be sending the ice maker into cardiac arrest, running in and out, up and down the stairs, slamming doors and asking to be fed about every five minutes. Of course, I’ll yield to all demands, especially from the two and a half year old who will insist on “olubs” for Breakfast. He wants olives, he gets olives! One will be stuck on each of his ten little fingers and he will sit, giggling, as he gently bites each shiny black little fruit from his two hands.

I’ll also ignore any looks of disapproval from his mother while reminding her that she’s on my turf and I’m the food and…. entire house boss!

Early Thanksgiving morning, yawning Grandpa will be herding our three older Grandchildren into the car for a trip into Manhattan and….the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, proud that he’s procured grandstand seats by Central Park for comfortable viewing of the annual spectacle. Like last year, the children will be lectured not to consume any liquids in order to avoid bathroom stops and will undoubtedly be in a state of dehydration before the parade ends. The trip last year involved a train ride into the city which Gramps thought would be a treat for the kids; ten minutes into that trip, the reports came over the phone about who was touching, or looking, or bothering who; who was hungry, who was bored and, of course…”are we there yet?”

This year’s drive should be even more interesting….

Back at home, one huge Turkey will roast away on the outside grill, drenched in a Serrano Chile Apple Glaze while resting on a bed of carrots, onions and celery. Inside, another large Tom will slowly bake, having been massaged with traditional seasonings, and stuffed with a Sausage, Mushroom and Apple Stuffing. It will send out a savory aroma that will welcome the weary parade-goers home. My best china platters and serving bowls will overflow with Mashed Potatoes, Sweet Potatoes, Stuffed Mushrooms, Stuffing, Corn, Cauliflower, Brussels Sprouts, Cranberry Sauces, Cheese Sauce, Giblet Gravy, Monkey Bread, Finocchio, Celery and….everyone’s favorite (or not) traditional Green Bean Casserole.

Hmmm….seems like I left a few things out…

I over-do this holiday, too…..food-wise. Don’t criticize me, I’m a cook; this is one of the things I do best. It gives me pleasure to see people enjoy a great meal and not be in a hurry to leave my table. Thanksgiving is a relatively stress-free day, one of sharing, laughter and memories. It’s a day where families sit down in one place, for an extended period of time, stuff their faces, fall asleep watching some football game and then….want to know what’s for Dessert!

I over-do that part as well..