A few years ago, we decided to move our family Thanksgiving celebration to Friday. We used to do the big meal on Thursday, but it would get really uncomfortable for my brothers and sisters who had other family in the area. They would find themselves eating TWO full turkey dinners in a matter of hours, and our time with them became rushed and shortened. So now they go have Thanksgiving celebrations with their in-laws, and then we all get together on Friday. It’s worked out very, very well for everyone. One added bonus for me is that the stores are all open on Friday, so I don’t need to worry about making sure I have absolutely everything necessary for our meal. We can always run and pick stuff up if we need it.
What I really wanted to share about though is our creation of a new way to celebrate Thanksgiving. We are a pie loving family, and while we would have these fabulous pies on hand, it always seemed to suck away a little of the joy of the dinner when you had to reserve a bit of appetite for pie. And if you didn’t, then you would eat a piece of pie, enjoy the taste, but not enjoy the “I’m about to explode” feeling that comes with it.
So last year we experimented with what we are fondly calling Pie Hour. It is just what it sounds like, but it’s the timing that is key. I try to coordinate everything so that our big feast time is somewhere between five and six in the evening. Sometime between one and two in the afternoon, an assortment of pies and fresh whipped cream is revealed. We brew up some fresh coffee, get the kids glasses of milk or juice, and then we all sit down and enjoy a smorgasbord of pie. We pretty much forgo a noon-hour meal, and really enjoy one, two, or three slices of pie. It’s absolutely amazing. It’s awesome to be able to really enjoy all the different pies that we have available, and not feel like you’re forcing it in.
Last year we found this was the perfect amount of time in-between as well. By the time the main meal came around, we were all hungry and looking forward to it, but didn’t really feel it necessary to begin with an appetizer or munchie right before the meal. It really was ideal. Of course, after dinner, the pie is still available for anyone who wants it, but no one has that piece of pie because they feel they have to.
It’s a great new tradition, and we all agreed that is a must-have for our Thanksgiving celebration. Pie Hour. You should have one!