Turkeys and Timers: A Hilarious Thanksgiving Day Timeline
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  • Writer's pictureStephanie Cantrell

Turkeys and Timers: A Hilarious Thanksgiving Day Timeline


Thanksgiving Dinner

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Ah, Thanksgiving Day! The one day of the year when the whole family gathers together to eat, laugh, and create unforgettable memories. It's a day filled with warmth, love, and of course, lots of delicious food. As I sit here reflecting on past Thanksgiving celebrations, I can't help but chuckle at the hilarious moments that have unfolded over the years. So, grab a seat and get ready to embark on a journey through a typical Thanksgiving Day timeline, filled with chaos, laughter, and plenty of turkey-induced "resting my eyes"!


The Morning Chaos: Preparing for the Big Feast

As the sun rises on Thanksgiving morning, the house is already bustling with activity. The aroma of roasting turkey fills the air, and the kitchen is a whirlwind of pots, pans, and anxious cooks. The turkey, the centerpiece of the feast, is carefully basted, seasoned, and placed in the oven. Meanwhile, the side dishes are being prepared with precision, ensuring that every taste bud will be tantalized.

In the midst of all this chaos, family members scurry around, setting the table, arranging flowers, and double-checking that everything is in place. Kids are running wild, excitedly anticipating the arrival of their relatives and the feast that awaits them. Amidst the chaos, it's easy to get caught up in the frenzy, but it's important to take a moment to appreciate the love and effort that goes into preparing this special meal.


My little one once demanded a white pumpkin so he could paint it orange for the centerpiece of his table. I tried to talk him into just an orange pumpkin but, that was unacceptable apparently.

Once the preparations are complete and the tantalizing smells have permeated every corner of the house, it's time to take a deep breath and welcome the arrival of the guests.


The Arrival of Guests and the Chaos of Socializing

As the doorbell rings, signaling the arrival of the first guests, the chaos level in the house reaches a new high. Coats are hurriedly thrown on beds, and greetings are exchanged with hugs and kisses. The living room becomes a hub of animated conversation, as family members catch up on each other's lives and share stories from the past year.

In the midst of all the socializing, there are always those relatives who take it upon themselves to turn up the volume on the chaos. Uncle Joe, with his booming voice and never-ending repertoire of jokes, can be heard from miles away. Aunt Betty, always the life of the party, is busy entertaining everyone with her hilarious stories and infectious laughter. And let's not forget the little ones, who are running around with boundless energy, adding an extra layer of excitement to the already boisterous atmosphere.

As the chaos ensues, it's important to take a step back and soak in the joy of being surrounded by loved ones. These moments of laughter and connection are what make Thanksgiving truly special.


In case you find corralling those littles a bit harder than you'd anticipated, here's a great Thanksgiving digital print out bundle. Now, there are a few recipes I let the kids manhandle but, sometimes having something fun ready to go helps me step away and pee...just sayin'. Kid's Activities Bundle


The Feast Begins: Hilarious Mishaps and Memorable Moments at the Thanksgiving Table

Finally, it's time to gather around the table and indulge in the culinary delights that have been prepared with such love and care. As we take our seats, the room is filled with anticipation and hungry bellies rumbling in unison. The turkey is brought out, golden and succulent, and the side dishes are passed around with enthusiasm.

But what's a Thanksgiving feast without a few hilarious mishaps? There's always that one family member who accidentally spills their drink, causing a domino effect of laughter as others try to avoid the spreading pool of liquid. And let's not forget about the infamous "pepper" incident. My cousin had been out in the back yard playing all day and filled my grandmother's pepper shaker with dirt. It was a pretty black sand so I could see how she'd easily mistaken it but, she peppered EVERYTHING....everything...y'all we had Taco Bell and pie for Thanksgiving that year.


Another year my cousin had decided to make her first pie from scratch but, she'd bought the pie crust. Now, hold on before I start getting hate mail for shade. I'd never made a pie crust at that point so I was impressed with just her hand making the filling. It was beautiful, a perfectly baked pumpkin pie. It cut so perfectly too and I'm almost certain a couple people were more than one bite in before we realized she'd left the parchment circle on the pie shell before pouring in the filling. Let's face it, we just picked off the parchment and ate the rest anyway.

Amidst the mishaps, there are also those unforgettable moments that bring tears of laughter to our eyes. Grandma's attempt to carve the turkey with a comically oversized knife, or little Timmy's declaration that he loves the mashed potatoes so much he wants to marry them - these are the moments that make Thanksgiving dinner truly memorable.


The Main Event - Sitting Down for the Thanksgiving Meal

With our plates full and our hearts content, it's time to settle in for the main event - sitting down for the Thanksgiving meal. As we gather around the table, we take a moment to express our gratitude for the abundance of food before us and for the love and warmth that fills the room.

The conversation flows effortlessly as we share stories, laugh, and savor each bite. We take turns passing the dishes, ensuring that everyone gets to taste a bit of everything. The air is filled with the clinking of glasses and the sound of contented sighs as we indulge in the flavors of the season.

In this moment, we are reminded of the true meaning of Thanksgiving - coming together as a family, nourishing our bodies and souls, and appreciating the blessings in our lives. It's a time to slow down, to savor the simple pleasures, and to cherish the company of those we hold dear.


The Football Frenzy: Cheering for Your Favorite Team

After the feast has been devoured and the last crumbs have been scraped from our plates, it's time for some post-meal entertainment. For many families, this means gathering around the television and cheering for their favorite football team.

As the game begins, the room is divided into rival factions, each passionately supporting their team of choice. The air is thick with friendly banter and playful taunts. Uncle Joe, the self-proclaimed football expert, passionately argues with Cousin Sarah, who knows next to nothing about the game but insists on rooting for the underdog.

I'm just gonna say it, I'm there for the food so I'm one of those "yeah, sports ball" kinda people which on angers some of my family more when I comment on plays.


Laughter erupts as the game unfolds, with each play and touchdown met with cheers or groans. I should really pass out red and yellow flags for them to throw as much refereeing they do. The football frenzy adds an extra layer of excitement to the already vibrant atmosphere, and for a few hours, the living room becomes a stadium, filled with the energy and camaraderie that only sports can bring.


Black Friday Preparations: Making a Shopping Plan

As the football game comes to an end and the excitement begins to wane, a new form of anticipation takes hold - Black Friday. For my Aunts, this is the time to strategize, make a shopping plan, and gear up for the great retail hunt that lies ahead. They are in line hours before the dawn!

Family members gather around the coffee table, armed with flyers, highlighters, and a determination to snag the best deals. The room transforms into a war room, with maps of the local shopping centers spread out, and whispered conversations about the best time to hit each store.

As the plans are made and the shopping lists are finalized, there's a mixture of excitement and trepidation in the air. Black Friday is not for the faint of heart, and the quest for a good deal can be a wild and chaotic adventure. We're sure not afraid to get elbowed! But for those brave enough to brave the crowds, the rewards can be well worth it.


Evening Entertainment: Board Games and Laughter

As the sun begins to set and the adrenaline from the Black Friday preparations wears off, it's time to shift gears and indulge in some evening entertainment. For many families, this means bringing out the board games and engaging in some friendly competition. Not certain we've ever done anything friendly and "participation trophies" aren't a thing at our house.

The dining table becomes the battleground for epic battles of Monopoly, Scrabble or Trivial Pursuit. Laughter fills the air as alliances are formed, cunning strategies are devised, and unexpected twists and turns unfold. Papa helping my little one to play when he doesn't understand the game just so he feel part of the fun.

In the midst of the cutthroat competition, bonds are strengthened, and memories are created. Whether it's Grandma's impressive victory in Scrabble, Little Timmy's hilarious attempt at charades or my absolutely terrible drawing skills in Pictionary, these moments of shared laughter and connection are what make the evening truly special.


Cleanup Time: Tackling the Mountain of Dishes

As the night draws to a close and the board games are put away, it's time to face the inevitable - cleanup time. The once pristine kitchen is now a battlefield of dirty dishes, greasy pans, and crumpled napkins...it's also the time we turn up the music a bit to cover the sounds of snoring coming from the living-room.

I'll admit, I do have a dishwasher and it starts it's first load right after breakfast then runs non-stop. However, there is still a monumental amount of dishes to be washed but, fear not, for this is not a task to be dreaded. It's a time for family members to come together, don their aprons, and tackle the mountain of dishes with a sense of camaraderie. As the sink fills with soapy water and the dishwasher hums in the background, conversations continue, laughter echoes through the house, and the spirit of togetherness prevails.

In this moment, we are reminded that the true beauty of Thanksgiving lies not only in the feast itself but in the shared responsibility of caring for one another. It's a time to work together, to lighten the load, and to show appreciation for the effort that went into creating this memorable day.


Reflection and Gratitude: Sharing What We're Thankful For

As the house finally begins to quiet down, it's time for one final tradition - reflection and gratitude. Family members gather in the living room, cozying up on the couches, and sharing what they are thankful for.

The room is filled with heartfelt expressions of gratitude for health, love, family, and the memories created throughout the day. Tears may be shed, hugs may be exchanged, but above all, there is a profound sense of appreciation for the blessings in our lives.

In these quiet moments of reflection, we are reminded that Thanksgiving is not just a holiday; it's a state of mind. It's a time to pause, to count our blessings, and to cherish the love and laughter that fills our lives.


A Day Filled with Laughter, Love, and Lots of Food

As I wrap up this journey through a typical Thanksgiving Day timeline, I can't help but feel a warm glow in my heart. Thanksgiving is a day that brings us together, that reminds us of the importance of family and gratitude. It's a day when chaos and laughter intertwine, creating a tapestry of unforgettable moments.

So, as you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, remember to embrace the chaos, savor the laughter, and cherish the love that surrounds you. From turkeys to tummy time, may your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, warmth, and lots of delicious food.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a date with a turkey, a board game, and a whole lot of laughter.


Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!


Share your favorite Thanksgiving memory or hilarious mishap in the comments below and spread the laughter!

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