We Hosted Thanksgiving (And Survived)

So we did it. We hosted our first Thanksgiving in the new house and honestly? I think we crushed it. Sure, there were moments when I questioned every life choice that led to having fourteen people in my kitchen, but we made it through with minimal casualties and maximum gratitude.

We Hosted Thanksgiving (And Survived)

The secret weapon was definitely having my mom here. Maria rolled up her sleeves and basically took over tamale production while I tried to orchestrate everything else. Roberto and Ted disappeared into the backyard for mysterious dad conversations that lasted three hours - something about grilling techniques and property taxes, I think? Meanwhile Sophie was the ultimate cousin entertainer, keeping all the little ones busy on the swing set.

Someone is living his best cranberry sauce life

And then there’s Theo, who decided cranberry sauce was best enjoyed as a hands-on experience. By the time dinner was ready, he looked like he’d wrestled a cranberry bog and lost. But you know what? He was happy, everyone was fed, and the house was full of laughter and chaos in the best possible way.

Next year I’m definitely starting the prep earlier. Or maybe we’re going to Roberto and Maria’s. But probably not - because despite the stress and the mess and the fact that I didn’t sit down for six hours straight, there’s something pretty magical about having your whole family gathered around your own table. Even if that table is covered in cranberry handprints.