A Troublesome Thanksgiving Tradition

          Here we go again. The annual onslaught of “Thanksgiving is the Middle Child of Holidays” memes and Tik-Toks is already in high gear. It’s seems every year I have to explain to people that Thanksgiving is far too beloved a day to be considered a Middle Child, while at the same time reminding them there already is a Middle Child of holidays – AUGUST 12, MIDDLE CHILD’S DAY FOR GODSAKE!               

          I will admit, though, the Middle Child does have a uniquely uncomfortable relationship with Turkey Day, probably because of the increased levels of Middle Child Syndrome that accompany the day. And most holidays for that matter. But I was today years old when it dawned on me there’s a particular Thanksgiving tradition that has “Middle Child problem” written all over it -- the breaking of the Thanksgiving turkey wishbone.

          You know the rules: two people each grab an end of the wishbone, pull it apart until it breaks, and good luck is in store for the person who ends up with the larger part of the bone. (Hence the term, “lucky break” some etymologists tell us. Others believe it derives from the ancient game of pool or billiards.) But if you’re a Middle Child, I'm warning you:

 

DO NOT GET SUCKED INTO THIS TROUBLESOME TRADITION!

 

          You know how this story ends. We already always feel like we can’t catch a break! The last thing we need is one more opportunity to confirm that we can’t. Literally.
          And with our Middle Child Syndrome likely already off the charts, do we really need to let this all play out in front of the whole family?

          I don’t think so.

          Let your siblings fight over who’s “the lucky one.”

          We already know who it’s not. 

 

CLICK HERE 

to check out Thanksgiving recipes from the Middle Child Cookbook!

CLICK HERE

for a crash course on turkey wishbones from Reader's Digest. 

 

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Guess Who's NOT Coming to Dinner?

Enjoy a veritable feast of Middle Child Thanksgiving reading:

“No Thanks!”

“Thanksgiving is NOT the Middle Child of Holidays”

“The Ultimate Middle Child Thanksgiving Meal” 

“Let's Talk Turkey: Putting a Middle Child Myth to Rest”

 “Thanksgiving: The Middle Child of Holidays”

 

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Follow on Twitter @midkidmusings "LIKE" on Facebook.

 

 

The Ultimate Middle Child Thanksgiving Meal

          It’s going to be a very different Thanksgiving this year for millions of Americans. Hopefully, you’re following CDC guidelines and inviting fewer people over for Thanksgiving dinner. But no matter how small your gathering, one guest seems to show up, year after year -- always uninvited: Middle Child Syndrome. 

          As Thanksgiving and the holiday season approaches, actually whenever family is together for that matter, you can count on MCS rearing its ugly head. It’s not always easy to know what will set it off, but you can be sure something will. Maybe it’s reliving a need for attention from the past, or feelings of favoritism from the present. It might even be triggered by the food that’s served, or not served. 

          As if you needed any more on your Thanksgiving menu, we offer these MidKid-style versions of some all-time Thanksgiving favorites. 

 

 

 

 

 Classic Middle Child Turkey 

Season and baste turkey to your liking, place in preheated oven at 350˚, then totally forget it’s there. 

 

 

Roasted Bitter Nut Squash Soup 

Follow any Butter Nut squash soup recipe, then add a touch 

of sour grapes!

 

 

 

 

Not-so-Sweet Potato Casserole with Marshmallows

You’re allergic to sweet potatoes and you hate marshmallows, but your brother loves it -- so, too bad! 

 

 

 

Middle Child Mashed Potatoes 

Just like regular mashed potatoes, only not quite as good. 

 

 

 

 

 

 Second Hand Stuffing

Nobody else wanted it, so it’s yours. 

 

 

 

No-Fuss MidKid Gravy 

Don’t let the name fool you -- it’s a pain in the ass to make. It’s called “No Fuss” because nobody makes a big deal over it. Ever. 

 

 

 

 

Not-as-good-as-your-Sister's Cranberry Sauce

Really? All she did is open a can! And you both used the exact same brand!! How could hers possibly be better? So unfair. 

 

 

 

 

Best-Ever Candied Yams 

Well, of course they are. Your sister made them, too! 

 

5-Star Green Bean Casserole 

Yeah, yeah -- and she made the casserole.

 

 

 

 

Smack Dab Pumpkin Pie  

This triple layer treat is the icing on the cake. A delicious pumpkin pudding layer on the bottom, a mouthwatering whipped cream layer on the top -- and nobody cares what’s in the middle! It’s the perfect finish for a classic Middle Child Thanksgiving feast. Hope you enjoy yours! 

 

 

Relieve Thanksgiving Middle Child Syndrome with the perfect Middle Child wine!

Pair your Middle Child meal with a recommended selection from Middle Sister Wines. THIS IS REAL! You can pick up a bottle (or 10) at the Middle Sister Wine Shop. 

                            Sweet & Sassy                   Sweetie Pie                   Drama Queen 

                                 Moscato                  Goodie Two Shoes               Pinot Grigio

 Pinot Noir

 

FEAST ON THESE PREVIOUS MIDDLE CHILD THANKSGIVING POSTS: 

“Let’s Talk Turkey: Putting a Middle Child Myth to Rest” 

“The Middle Child’s Thanksgiving Survival Guide” 

“Thanksgiving is NOT the Middle Child of Holidays” 

“No Thanks!”