FTCSA - Family Turkey Consumption Separation Anxiety
Not really anxiety, per se, but it was a slightly odd feeling for me this year as we didn't get to see any of my side of the family. Let me back up a bit...
Mary's annual meeting for work is always the week after Thanksgiving. That means she begins working at McCormick Place the week prior. She has off on the Thursday of Thanksgiving, but has to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Needless to say, that makes for very little time to spend with family. What was even more difficult this year, was that Mary's dad, who also works at the annual meeting, had to work ON Thanksgiving until 1:30pm. That meant that her mom wouldn't have had any company that day. Well, Mary just wouldn't allow that!
Despite her hectic schedule, she decided that we (to be read, "she" - don't get me wrong, I helped) would make a "mini" Thanksgiving dinner to bring to her Parents and Grandparents so they, too, could enjoy the traditional festivities. Originally, we were going to go out to her Parents' house in the southwest suburbs for an early dinner, then head to my Sister's house for dessert. It turned out that my Dad had to work until 6:00pm, then planned on going to my Aunt's house in the northwest suburbs. Already being short on time and energy, we decided it just would be too tough to see both sides of the family this year.
I think this was the first major holiday where we didn't get to see everyone. Fortunately, I have seen a lot of my family lately, but again, it was just a little odd NOT seeing them on a major holiday. At least we were able to have a really nice time with Mary's Parents and Grandparents. Mary's mom made mushrooms and cranberries and her Grandma made sweet potatoes. Also, a few birthdays are coming up on my side (Mom, Carys and Mary) and Christmas is just around the corner!