Best way to work up a Thanksgiving appetite? Fasting the day before.
That was exactly my mindset approaching the holiday dedicated to devouring copious amounts of unnaturally large turkeys, bred for the sole purpose of my consumption on this day. Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday…well one of the only celebrations I actually partake in. As a first generation American, my immigrant parents came from a background that did not emphasize such events. Sure, I have memories of me opening christmas gifts as a toddler and hosting birthday parties at Planet Pizza; however, those traditions seemed to last only in my early years. Now, me and my sister joke around by mimicking videos of people excitedly running down to their christmas tree in the morning. Our snapchat stories featured a dramatic frenzy down to a mostly undecorated tree devoid of any such gifts waiting to be unwrapped.
Don’t you go feeling sorry for me when I don’t feel sorry for myself. I already appreciate all the everyday things my parents provide for me and since I don’t actually celebrate the religious significance, it feels selfish to use a holiday to plead for a lavish gift.
I honestly don’t even remember the last time I’ve celebrated, or even been awake for, New Years.
I can’t say much about birthdays either. The only birthday I’ve actually been excited for is my recent 21st birthday, but only because it marked the beginning of legal alcohol purchase and consumption (it kind of takes away the youthfulness of sneaking around doing something illegal though).
At least I can enjoy all of my favorite foods during Thanksgiving dinner. We always have this cranberry sauce jello concoction that I look forward to the most. It sounds strange, but it goes well with everything, from the turkey to the mashed potatoes, I put that shit on EVERYTHING. Also, I love pumpkin pie. I hold a personal best record for devouring a whole pumpkin pie by myself for desert. Then there’s always the stuffing that is a hit or miss. I’ve learned over the year that boxed stuffing is always a guaranteed success. All you have to do is plate it well, add some decorative garnishes, and gloat about how it is an old family secret. Plus having most of the time dedicated towards eating means more shoving food in my mouth and less of having to make small talk with guests.
Oh yeah, fasting…it’s like telling yourself you’re going to start working out in the winter to get that spring break bod, but only to end up convincing yourself each day that staying in the warmth of your bed is a much better idea.
So of course returning home subjects me to being surrounded by an abundance of food: a juxtaposition to the empty void I call my fridge. One of my traditions upon arriving home is to scavenge through the pantry, fridge, and freezer for anything and everything. I’ll take a bite out of everything I can lay my hands on, and my parents take advantage of this time to tempt me with heaps of new foods to try. But it’s Thursday, and Thanksgiving dinner is in t minus 4 hours. No Elise. Don’t cave. Not today. Walk away from the kitchen and save more room for turkey.
…But I’m weak….. and now my stomach is bloated.
So much for preparing for thanksgiving.
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