As someone who has been a picky eater my entire life, I’ve always dreaded Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a long-standing American holiday that started as a tradition for those giving prayers and gratitude for the blessings they had been given during the year whether it’s been a military success, a bountiful harvest, or a safe journey.
The tradition comes from a harvest festival that was held in the Plymouth colony in 1621 by the Wampanoag people and the English colonists, often referred to as the Pilgrims. A day created to bring people together and celebrate often leaves certain people on the waste side. The classic meal of turkey, bread stuffing, potatoes, cranberries, and pumpkin pie doesn’t always fit the taste buds of everyone present.
When we go over to my grandmother’s home she still makes the same comments of, “How could you not eat anything I’ve been slaving over the stove for?”
It’s been eighteen years, and this woman still cannot comprehend that I have not and will not be eating the classic dinner she prepares every year. Of course, I’m not so picky I couldn’t find anything, but eating just mashed potatoes and corn isn’t a meal and never was.
Food isn’t always about taste, it’s about all the senses which people often forget about when judging those who don’t like the same foods as they do. While this article is strictly opinion-based, I believe that many picky eaters will agree with it.
Because I am a fan of some side dishes, I will simply discuss my qualms with the two main course choices.
Turkey filled with bread stuffing
Turkey is strange white meat. I’ve never enjoyed the dryness, and when the meat was juicy I didn’t enjoy the flavor it produced. The meat itself I’m not a fan of, and the skin is a weird slimy texture. All together, turkey is a no-go for me.
Ham
While ham is not a very traditional main dish for many, it has adorned the Thanksgiving table for decades, at least for my family. Ham is either cooked with a syrup of sorts or the syrup could be placed in a dish to be served alongside the ham. Depending on how big a fan of a sweet and savory taste you are will dictate your liking for the syrup. Ham was once something I could tolerate, but slowly the taste began to sicken me.
Going into Thanksgiving, be sensitive to those around you who may not be fans of traditional Thanksgiving dishes. Encourage your family members to bring other dishes to make all people feel seen and welcome.
