Traditions are great, but some don't stand the test of time. Which traditions will our editor be breaking this holiday season?
Traditions are great, but some don't stand the test of time. Which traditions will our editor be breaking this holiday season?
I’m a sucker for traditions, especially around the holidays. Some of my favorites include starting the Thanksgiving feast with every member of my family listing the things for which we are thankful, my mother-in-law’s potato soup, drinking one of my aunt May’s famous brandy old fashioneds and picking out a new Christmas tree ornament to represent each year. In fact, if these traditions didn’t happen, it may seem as though the holidays, themselves, just didn’t happen.
But as much as I like the comfort and kinship that traditions bring, sometimes they just don’t stand the test of time—and that’s OK. I believe we should all hold on to some traditions, but make sure we leave room for new experiences, especially as families meld and move and as preferences change. Here are a few traditions I’ll be breaking this year.
Pumpkin pie
Not only is pumpkin the preferred pie flavor at Thanksgiving meals (according to the American Pie Council), but legend says pumpkin pie has been a mainstay at the big feast since the pilgrims second Thanksgiving in 1623. But this year, instead of the classic orange pie, I’m bringing something new to the table. Inspired by the gorgeous holiday desserts in the November issue of Delicious Living that were developed by the ridiculously talented Allie, creator of the blog Baking A Moment, I’m going to break out the tart pan and make an Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard. The little apple roses are made from thin apple slices rolled into coils and placed atop a sweet custard filling. For more baking inspiration from Allie, roll over to her blog and sign up for her newsletter, and check out our favorite holiday desserts here.
Turkey
In America, our plates tend to focus on the meat. And never is that more true than at Thanksgiving, when turkey is the star. But interest in more plant-based eating, whether you go full-time vegan or just work more vegetarian meals into your week, is at an all-time high. The veggie-forward health trend is on point for so many reasons, but my favorite reason is that eating more vegetables is one of the easiest, most convenient, natural and low-cost ways to reduce your risk of nearly every chronic disease, including the triple whammy: high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. In fact, Tofurky, a vegetarian turkey replacement made from a blend of wheat protein and organic tofu, has never been more popular. This year, many hosts, including me, will be adding it to the menu to appease vegetarian guests. (Click here for more vegetarian holiday recipe ideas.)
Shopping
I’ve never been one for standing in line overnight to be the first into stores on Black Friday, but I must admit I usually do some deal searching on that day. However, this year, I’m taking a cue from REI stores and I’m going to #optoutside. REI recently announced their stores would be closed on Black Friday and won’t be processing orders that day on their website either. “Instead of reporting to work, we’re paying our employees to do what we love most—be outside,” a message sent to REI customers explained. “While the rest of the world is fighting it out in the aisles, we hope to see you in the great outdoors.” Not shopping on the day after Thanksgiving? That’s a tradition that I don’t mind leaving behind.
What holiday traditions will you be keeping or breaking this year?
