Of course it has always followed that the great deal of food and overindulgence brings with it many guests. Whether you are serving the 52 Pilgrims and the 90 men of the Wampanoag nation in the great outdoors at Plymouth Rock or your family of ten in your 10’ x 12’ dining room there are logistics to consider.

Remember when you went “over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house”?  I do. Both of my grandmothers lived within 10 miles of my house so we always went home after the feast. Now you’re the grandmother or grandfather and most likely when your family comes

“over the river and through the woods” they are coming from a distance and staying for several days. Isn’t it wonderful to be surrounded by those near and dear for three days following the feast? My answer to that question is yes and no. Yes, for obvious reasons. No, because it’s not just the Thanksgiving meal you are preparing. It’s all the meals that follow three times a day.

Talk about logistics. How many pre-cooked casseroles can you squeeze into your refrigerator along with the turkey, pumpkin and apple pies, turnips and sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, Jell-O molds, extra milk, special beverages, fresh vegetables and every one’s unique dietary desires (let alone needs)? Even the extra refrigerator in my garage gets filled to the brim. I have one friend whose mother-in-law uses the trunk of her car for the overflow. Great idea if the outside temperature doesn’t go over 40 degrees.

There are a lot of good ideas to help you make Thanksgiving an easy and enjoyable tradition.

The least of which is to let someone else do the cooking. My feeling is there are good and not-so-good restaurants that serve haute cuisine, but turkey is turkey whoever cooks it. Many restaurants are prepared to serve a traditional Thanksgiving meal for a reasonable price and save you all the time and toil.  But if you insist on cooking the bird, at least consider checking with local food purveyors for some of the embellishments like appetizers, pies, soups, and ready-made salads. Or take a page out of the Pilgrim’s book – everybody brings something to the table.

Today we celebrate an All -American Tradition that originated in 1621 to celebrate the Plymouth colony’s first successful harvest. The Pilgrims were giving thanks for a bountiful harvest after a year of disease and hunger. Their days of Thanksgiving were part of their religion, celebrated as days of prayer not feasting. The Wampanoag nation gave thanks on a daily basis every time they were able to bring back food from a hunting or fishing expedition or harvest a plant.

This gathering together with family and friends over the years has added many traditions never dreamed of by the first celebrants. In addition to the thankfulness for family, friends and good food, the Macy’s Parade, an 80-year tradition, along with a multitude of football games, is now a permanent part of Thanksgiving. Many families develop their own traditions around the food to be served, the manner in which to give thanks and who carves the turkey. And don’t forget the infamous “kids’ tables.”

With families more spread out today you could even find yourself on the outside looking in, because your children have obligations to in-laws or work schedules that don’t allow for travel.

Or perhaps you are foregoing a Thanksgiving trip for a Christmas or Hanukkah trip to be with family. What to do? Last year several friends who all found themselves “alone” decided to gather at a local restaurant, enjoy great food, avoid the hassle, and most importantly share together.

Then there is the ultimate manner in which to celebrate the bounty of this country - share it with someone less fortunate. There are soup kitchens and church programs that could use help in the preparation, serving and delivering of food on this All-American day of thanks.  Consider spending a few hours to give a hand, as well as to give thanks for the great bounty even the least of us share in this great land.