The Star of the Meal: Fried Turkey & Sweet Potato Casserole

Our Thanksgiving meal centers around a perfectly fried turkey. It’s brined for 24 hours and then cooked outside on the deck for safety. The weather is usually mild, so family members wander outside to enjoy the delicious smell. The turkey is always a hit, but my personal favorite is the sweet potato casserole—it’s not Thanksgiving without it.

Evening Festivities: Christmas Movies, Card Games, and Leftovers

Once the meal wraps up, we transition into a cozy evening. Thanksgiving officially kicks off Christmas season in our house, so we start our holiday movie tradition. Sometimes we’ll even set up our artificial tree, depending on how energetic we feel. Card games are a staple, adding some friendly competition to the mix.

As the evening progresses, we graze on leftovers, with turkey sandwiches being a crowd favorite. Since we usually eat dinner around 1 or 3 PM, everyone helps themselves throughout the night while relaxing and enjoying football—both American and English, thanks to my son-in-law.

Keeping It Simple with Decorations and Cleanup

Thanksgiving at our house is low-pressure. I decorate with fall-themed tablecloths and opt for large, festive paper plates to make cleanup a breeze. This simple approach keeps the focus on spending time together rather than worrying about chores.

Sharing Our Table: A Military Tradition

Years ago, when my husband was in the military, we’d invite soldiers who had nowhere to go for Thanksgiving. Those gatherings were special, and even now, we occasionally welcome friends or neighbors who might be spending the holiday alone. This year, though, it’s just our immediate family, which makes for a quieter, more intimate celebration.

Sticking to Our Traditions

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that my family loves their traditions. I’ve stopped suggesting new dishes and instead occasionally ask if we can skip making certain ones since we always end up with so much food. The answer is almost always “no,” and honestly, I’ve come to appreciate the predictability. There’s something comforting about knowing exactly what to expect.

Final Thoughts

Thanksgiving is about more than just food—it’s a time to reflect, connect, and cherish the moments we spend with our loved ones. From frying the turkey on the deck to grazing on leftover turkey sandwiches while watching football, these traditions make our holiday feel uniquely ours. Whether your Thanksgiving is big or small, filled with new dishes or familiar favorites, I hope it brings you as much joy as ours brings us.

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