Thanksgiving: solo cook or pot luck?

Question

As far as I can remember, in my family we never had just one person do all the cooking. The hostess usually cooks the turkey, and other people bring other meats and dishes. For example, one sister might cook the turkey and some veggies and rice. Another sister cooks a ham or lamb or duck and/or sweet potatoes with fruit and marshmallows. I cook macaroni and cheese and/or pie. or I might purchase a pie. My brother brings the wines.

I get the impression from TV that in other families one woman, the hostess, does all the cooking. If so, I don't think this is fair. What do you think? What's it like in your family?

Answer 1

I will be doing 3/4 of the cooking for our lunch and dinner. Our four sons are 23,22,20,19, and their wives or g/f are good cooks, just prefer I cook it all. Grandma (85) will contribute some breads, and desserts, to make her feel useful.. She could not handle the full meal ....and would not be asked to.. but she loves to feel useful with a contributation.. I love to cook so the whole cooking thing is like a gift for me....Have a great Thanksgiving.

Answer 2

In my family my mom relatively does all the cooking. I will ask if she needs me to bring anything. My sister might make the macaroni and cheese and the lasagna. Also she shares her cooking with friends, so she'll give a friend some food and the friend will send over a pie she made or something. I usually bring something she forgot to buy or soda and juice. But I do take home food!

Answer 3

I have hosted dinners and done all the major cooking and the guests have brought desserts. When I was married we traded off doing this each year, so it didn't fall to the same person everytime. Each family is different and I have been to both types where everyone pitches in and doing it pretty much solo. I agree with you, it is better for everyone to bring their favorite dish or dessert. Happy Holidays!

Answer 4

Wow, my mind boggles at the thought of preparing all that food for one day.

We don't celebrate thanksgiving when you do as we're in the southern hemisphere and our weather is the opposite of yours

We do have alot of food and a family gathering for christmas though.

Answer 5

I wouldn't say it is necessarily, automatically unfair. It is up to each family to decide how to do it. It is certainly easier to have potluck style, but I say if someone wants to do it all, more power to 'em.

Answer 6

My story is similar to your's. And no it isn't fair, and what shows/movies have you been watching to get that impression?

Answer 7

my husband goes solo