The Evolution of Thanksgiving Dinner from a Reheatably Meal to Family Tradition

Thanksgiving is a beloved American holiday, marked by feasting, gratitude, and family gatherings. In the late 1980s, in my middle school days, my family faced a change when the grandmother decided not to host the Thanksgiving and Christmas celebrations. This innovative solution involved ordering a complete Thanksgiving dinner from Kroger, a local American grocery store known for its convenient and pre-prepared meals. Let’s explore this journey of traditional Thanksgiving dinners to modern family traditions.

Ordering a Pre-cooked Thanksgiving Dinner

Back in the late 1980s, we resorted to ordering the whole Thanksgiving dinner from Kroger. The convenience was unparalleled. Everything came fully cooked, ready to be reheated and enjoyed. The meal included:

A whole turkey Mashed potatoes with gravy Dressing Green bean casserole rolls Pumpkin pie Broccoli rice casserole

We would pick an additional side dish, and I remember the broccoli rice casserole was a hit back then. The meal was divine, and the convenience of simply reheating everything made it a memorable experience. This tradition didn't last long due to Kroger's closure in our town, leading us to share the dishes and cook independently. However, even last year, we discussed how pleasant it was to heat everything up again.

A Personal Experience with Thanksgiving Cooking

Luckily, I love to cook, so every year, I prepare large holiday feasts for all calendar holidays. This includes Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays. For years, my tables groaned under the weight of an abundance of food, reflecting fun and festivity. One year, after my mother's passing, I faced the challenge of preparing the meal on my own. My mother’s gravy was legendary, and there was no one to help with the vegetables or make those encouraging "good cooker" noises. The absence of familial support was deeply felt, especially during Thanksgiving, as it was a day when my birth was celebrated.

Realizing that Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without my mother, I decided to embrace the situation. I ordered most of the meal from Whole Foods. While the turkey was cut into convenient steak slices, the gravy was disappointingly tasteless. The pie was passable, but nothing to be proud of. The following year, we tried dining at a restaurant, and we were underwhelmed once again. The final year, we turned to my best friend’s (BFF) house for a family celebration. We smoke our own turkey and fixings a few days later, making use of the leftovers to create comforting dishes like enchiladas, casseroles, and sandwiches. The stuffing now includes chestnuts, adding a unique twist.

The Final Word on Ordering Pre-cooked Thanksgiving Dinners

Reflecting on these experiences, I have come to the conclusion that purchasing a pre-cooked Thanksgiving dinner is not for me. Cooking is not just about the taste; it's about the memories, the family, and the celebration. My personal tradition has evolved to include the warmth of home-cooked meals and the joy of shared family moments.

Regardless of your approach to Thanksgiving, whether you kitchen or rely on convenient meals, the essence of the holiday remains. It's about cherishing togetherness, gratitude, and the memories created around the table. Whether you heat up a frozen meal or prefer fresh, homemade dishes, let the spirit of Thanksgiving guide your plans. Happy cooking and a wonderful holiday season!