By Armita Rohani
Thanksgiving in 2024 will certainly be interesting. From election partisanship to expensive food, conflicting political opinions and awkward conversations, thanksgiving dinner will be far from boring. For some, it’s an extra two days off from school, and to others it has a deeper meaning (positive psychology anyone? It’s okay, Mrs. Bailey agrees with me). If you are lost or just hunting for new ideas/things to do, then this article is for you! Detailed below will be some very yummy recipe ideas, conversation starters to avoid those awkward silences, and things to be thankful for during this thanksgiving season.
Thanksgiving Foods to Stuff Your Mouth With:
- Sweet Potato Casserole: buttery mashed sweet potatoes and a crunchy pecan topping.
- Carbonara Mashed Potatoes: crispy pancetta, cheesy Parmesan, rich egg yolks and loads of black pepper
- Parmesan Roast Turkey
- Green Bean Casserole: bacon cooked with peppers, garlic and onion.
- Sausage and Herb Stuffing: sausage and herb stuffing
- Parker House Rolls
- Green Bean Cobbler
- Baked Macaroni and Cheese
- Sheet Pan Crispy Mashed Potatoes: an entire sheet pan of super crispy mashed potatoes
- Butternut Squash Soup Simmer: butternut squash in broth with buttery, sauteed onions, then puree and season
- Apple Pie
- Sausage-Stuffed Mushrooms: marinated mushrooms in olive oil and wine, then stuffed them with sweet Italian sausage and cheese.
- Pecan Pie
- Pumpkin Gingersnap Cheesecake
- Sausage Cornbread Stuffing
- Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
- Sweet Potato Salad: Feta, dried cranberries, and red onions
- Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread: cranberry sauce and brie
- Garlic-Parmesan Roasted Carrot
- Sweet Potato Gratin
Conversation Starters That DON’T Involve Politics:
- Did you read the newest issue of East Side News?
- Any good books you’ve read so far?
- What a rainstorm we’ve been having this month huh?
- Did you know that ski season is coming up? You guys gonna hit the slopes this year?
- When do you plan to put up your holiday decorations?
- How’s work/school/college apps going?
- What did you think about quarter 1?
- Any other plans than this dinner?
- If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go?
- Any upcoming movies or shows you’re looking forward to watching?
- Best flavor of pie?
- Did you see the Bills v Chiefs game? Talk about a hero!
- What are you most grateful for?
- Did you exploit those Black Friday deals yet?
- When will you go Christmas shopping?
- If you could only eat three things for the rest of your life what would they be? (if you want to spice it up, ask: what would your death row meal be?)
- If you won the lottery, what’s the first thing you would buy?
- What’s your favorite vacation memory?
- What’s the best gift you’ve received (tangible or intangible, your choice)?
- If you could time travel, what time period would you visit?
Conversation Starters to Watch the World Burn:
Disclaimer, the questions here do not necessarily reflect the viewpoint of the author…they’re just questions if you really want to spice things up during dinner–they make the night interesting.
- What did you think about the election?
- Why do you think Harris lost?
- Thoughts on Trump’s cabinet nominations?
- How many genders are there?
- Are you spiritually active?
- Do you say Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays?
- What do you think of the economy?
- Does oversight have an “e” in it?
- Would you have voted for Redmond Wright?
- Do you hate women, or do women hate you?
What to Be Thankful For (Because the World Didn’t End…Yet):
Feel free to snag some of these for your gratitude journals by the way…
- Your family, friends, and pets
- Your health
- Peace where you live
- A roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, a pillow, and a blanket
- The clothes on your back
- The food on your table
- Having access to clean water
- Being able to buy 20 t-shirts (seniors is Mr. Wright’s class will get it)
- Being able to buy food/groceries
- Having access to electricity
- Having access to warm water
- Being born in a time period where modern healthcare exists
- Having ways for entertainment (back in my day, we watched paint dry), like movies, shows, games
- Being able to read
- Having access to education
- Indoor plumbing
- GPS
- Your car (and if you don’t have one, your parents’ car)
- Diversity
- Freedom