Thursday, October 05, 2006

Abandoning Convention

I'm being abandoned for Thanksgiving. My parents' anniversary falls just after the holiday and they've decided to make a weekend of it. I think my mother feels guilty. She announced the news at the family birthday dinner we had the other week. My brother said it was no big deal. They were actually planning a trip to Cape Breton to visit his wife's parents. My sister told her not to feel guilty. After all, she said, we all had families of our own.

Then all eyes drifted over to me in silence.

Right. Well. Almost all of us, anyway.

I told them not to worry; I'd just swing through the drive-thru at Wendy's and pick up some chicken strips. My brother suggested I ask them if they could add a side of gravy like Mom makes. My new brother-in-law thought if I looked really sad, they might throw in a dish of cranberries free of charge. Did I mention I come from a family of comedians?

Anyway, the point of this isn't so much that I mind being abandoned, but that I don't. I keep thinking I should be upset by this. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It doesn't have the pressure or the expectation of Christmas. But there's a part of me that likes the idea of being on my own for a big holiday. It's freeing somehow, like I have shucked off convention and embraced my independence. While everyone else is locked into their plans with little or no wiggle room, I'm free and clear.

No one's expecting anything from me. I don't need to do anything, be anywhere. I can spend the day however I want. And with Friday through Monday off, I have four days of freedom. I've needed a break, and suddenly I have the means to take one. Maybe I'll take a day trip, or go hiking. The leaves are starting to change and the weather looks clear and crisp.

Whatever I decide, I'm really looking forward to it.

15 comments:

Maxx said...

and while you're enjoying your freedom it appears I have been shackled into having a houseguest and making turkey. Consider yourself invited. Details to follow.

Kelly Boyce said...

Ah shackled to a houseguest. I shall revel in my freedom. And possibly swing by your abode when the hunger pangs hit. You know me, where there's food...

Julie S said...

I totally get that. Holidays are great and all, but sometimes it's just nice to have that time to yourself. After all, holidays occur EVERY year, but four days of freedom is a rarity! Have fun with whatever you decide to do!!!

Melissa Amateis said...

That does sound freeing. I love Thanksgiving, too. I don't know what we're going to do this year - it's always harder when the parents are divorced and live on opposite ends of the state.

Maxx said...

Yes I know you. Unfortunately.

You know how to cook a turkey right? I need instructions. Although... if I continue to claim ignorance, others will continue to cook for me.

Nevermind.

Tess said...

I know how you feel - Sean and I have always wanted to do a Christmas by ourselves. We did Thanksgiving alone last year and quite enjoyed it. And, if I was single, I know I'd probably feel the same way. Sometimes it's nice just to do your own thing!

Kelly Boyce said...

Maxx, I think you cook it 20 minutes for every pound...or is it every kg...that would probably make a difference. I'm sure you could google it.

Anonymous said...

Someone turning to Kelly for cooking ideas? Is this the same Kelly that we've heard stories of the Stove Top Dressing from? ;)

Cool on the Freedom Weekend, Kelly...sounds as freeing as a Nothing Weekend.

Lexi said...

Kelly, I had that happen with Christmas for several years and I actually made my own routine and loved it! When I started back to celebrating with family, it felt really weird and I kinda longed for the silence again...

Maxx said...

Or i could just let someone else cook it.

Kelly Boyce said...

I hear Wendy has some great chicken strips...

And not everyone know's how to make Stove Top, Erin!

Maxx said...

Or I could do what I did a few years ago when everyone decided I was making Thanksgiving dinner... make lasagna.

Dixie Belle said...

I don't mind at all being on my own during the holidays. I've never liked traveling during the holidays due to the crowds. On the holidays that I have avoided obligations, I have had a great time. Mostly writing, of course.

Anonymous said...

You could actually make anything you want for the feast. Have a great time and celebrate your freedom!

Shelli Stevens said...

That's a gorgeous picture. I love autumn. You know Thanksgiving can be fun (my ancestor actually signed whatever document it was that made Tday official!) But in my house it's usually beer and football and food. It doesn't do much for me.

I like the Wendy's idea!