<strong>Some say: </strong>The Thanksgiving meal is a midafternoon ritual, allowing plenty of time for kids, cleanup, a turkey-coma nap and snacking on leftovers. <strong>No, thanks:</strong> It's more civilized to sit down at 6 or 7 p.m. when the candles are flickering, the wine is flowing and the mood is more festive.
Some say: The Thanksgiving meal is a midafternoon ritual, allowing plenty of time for kids, cleanup, a turkey-coma nap and snacking on leftovers. No, thanks: It's more civilized to sit down at 6 or 7 p.m. when the candles are flickering, the wine is flowing and the mood is more festive.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Whether you're<strong> </strong>prepping side dishes in the kitchen or crashed on the couch, the <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.nbc.com%2Fmacys-thanksgiving-day-parade" target="_blank" target="_blank">Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade</a> (9 a.m.-noon ET this year on NBC) is an annual tradition. <strong>No, thanks:</strong> We can't stuff our faces with 4,000 calories without first getting out of the house for a walk, a hike or a game of touch football. Gotta earn that turkey!
Some say: Whether you're prepping side dishes in the kitchen or crashed on the couch, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade (9 a.m.-noon ET this year on NBC) is an annual tradition. No, thanks: We can't stuff our faces with 4,000 calories without first getting out of the house for a walk, a hike or a game of touch football. Gotta earn that turkey!
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Well, you roast it in the oven, of course. <strong>But wait:</strong> What about <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Featocracy.cnn.com%2F2010%2F11%2F24%2Fdeep-fried-indoor-turkey-for-science%2F">deep-frying</a> it? Or even cooking it on the grill? Both options free up your oven for other dishes. <strong>And:</strong> <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Featocracy.cnn.com%2F2011%2F11%2F14%2Ft-minus-10-brining-seriously-stop-stressing-about-it%2F">Brining?</a> (It makes the meat juicier.) Or no brining? (It makes the skin soggy.) And the vegetarians at your gathering will have other ideas.
Some say: Well, you roast it in the oven, of course. But wait: What about deep-frying it? Or even cooking it on the grill? Both options free up your oven for other dishes. And: Brining? (It makes the meat juicier.) Or no brining? (It makes the skin soggy.) And the vegetarians at your gathering will have other ideas.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say:</strong> You cook the stuffing (<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Featocracy.cnn.com%2F2010%2F11%2F23%2Flunchtime-poll-the-stuffing-kerfuffle%2F">some crazy folks call it dressing</a>) inside the turkey, where the juices add more flavor. That's why it's called stuffing. <strong>No, thanks:</strong> Roasting it separately improves air circulation in the turkey, letting it cook more evenly. And stuffing in a turkey is at risk for being undercooked. We'd rather not poison our guests, thank you.
Some say: You cook the stuffing (some crazy folks call it dressing) inside the turkey, where the juices add more flavor. That's why it's called stuffing. No, thanks: Roasting it separately improves air circulation in the turkey, letting it cook more evenly. And stuffing in a turkey is at risk for being undercooked. We'd rather not poison our guests, thank you.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Mash 'em! And don't skimp on the gravy. <strong>But ... </strong>With roasted garlic? Or without? <strong>No, thanks: </strong>Give us whipped sweet potatoes any day, topped with a browned marshmallow crust.<strong> Or maybe:</strong> Potato casserole? Scalloped potatoes au gratin? So many tater options -- and potential arguments.
Some say: Mash 'em! And don't skimp on the gravy. But ... With roasted garlic? Or without? No, thanks: Give us whipped sweet potatoes any day, topped with a browned marshmallow crust. Or maybe: Potato casserole? Scalloped potatoes au gratin? So many tater options -- and potential arguments.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>You make it on the stove from fresh cranberries, orange juice and other ingredients. <strong>No, thanks: </strong>That's too much work. The jellied stuff in the can is just fine.
Some say: You make it on the stove from fresh cranberries, orange juice and other ingredients. No, thanks: That's too much work. The jellied stuff in the can is just fine.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Everyone sits together, at one huge table. It teaches children good manners, helps everyone get to know each other and doesn't make kids feel like second-class citizens. <strong>No, thanks:</strong> Give the kids their own table, where they won't be bored trying to talk to Aunt Myrtle.
Some say: Everyone sits together, at one huge table. It teaches children good manners, helps everyone get to know each other and doesn't make kids feel like second-class citizens. No, thanks: Give the kids their own table, where they won't be bored trying to talk to Aunt Myrtle.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Homemade pumpkin pie, with whipped cream on top. Nothing else will do. <strong>No, thanks:</strong> Pumpkin, ugh. Pecan pie is tastier. <strong>But:</strong> Neither is as satisfying as a fresh-baked apple or cherry pie. With vanilla ice cream. <strong>Then again:</strong> Pie is boring! Try a pumpkin cheesecake.
Some say: Homemade pumpkin pie, with whipped cream on top. Nothing else will do. No, thanks: Pumpkin, ugh. Pecan pie is tastier. But: Neither is as satisfying as a fresh-baked apple or cherry pie. With vanilla ice cream. Then again: Pie is boring! Try a pumpkin cheesecake.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>No! We will enjoy our meal, and each other's company, without distractions. <strong>Well, it depends: </strong>Is your NFL team playing? (We're looking at you, Vikings, Lions, Steelers, Colts, Cowboys and Redskins fans.) Then it's OK -- as long as the sound is muted.
Some say: No! We will enjoy our meal, and each other's company, without distractions. Well, it depends: Is your NFL team playing? (We're looking at you, Vikings, Lions, Steelers, Colts, Cowboys and Redskins fans.) Then it's OK -- as long as the sound is muted.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN
<strong>Some say: </strong>Again, no! (See the TV rules.) Put the blasted things away for once. <strong>Not so fast:</strong> Like it or not, our phones have become extensions of our conversations. We use them to show each other photos, to exchange information, to settle arguments. Let them stay, in moderation.
Some say: Again, no! (See the TV rules.) Put the blasted things away for once. Not so fast: Like it or not, our phones have become extensions of our conversations. We use them to show each other photos, to exchange information, to settle arguments. Let them stay, in moderation.
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<strong>Some say: </strong>Absolutely not! Despite what <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblackfriday.com%2Fstores-opening-on-thanksgiving.php" target="_blank" target="_blank">Macy's, Best Buy, Target and Walmart</a> say, Thanksgiving Day is NOT for shopping. <strong>Then again:</strong> Why not get a jump on those Black Friday crowds? By Thanksgiving night, we're all sick of our relatives anyway.
Some say: Absolutely not! Despite what Macy's, Best Buy, Target and Walmart say, Thanksgiving Day is NOT for shopping. Then again: Why not get a jump on those Black Friday crowds? By Thanksgiving night, we're all sick of our relatives anyway.
Illustration by Alberto Mier/CNN