I think we all have these dreams of the perfect holiday gathering. One with a table that looks like it was decorated by Martha Stewart, a feast that rivals that of Wolfgang Puck, and well dressed, perfectly behaved loved ones sitting at the dinner table. Although you’ve just spent an entire day slaving in the kitchen, you somehow still look like you’ve just walked off the cover of Vogue magazine. Sadly, this fantasy is not reality. Not at my house anyways. But that’s okay, because I know I am not alone in this. After reading some of the hilarious stories on NickMom.com, I realized that holiday mishaps are common place, and don’t just happen in my home.

What Thanksgiving is Really Like at My House
There was that year when I roasted the turkey with a bag of giblets still lodged inside. Needless to say, we had a meatless Thanksgiving dinner.
Then there was a turkey that stayed in the oven a little too long, and slightly resembled shoe leather. We did have turkey that year, but only the few bites we were able to choke down.
One Thanksgiving I pulled out my best china, and had the table set for a grand feast. By the time dinner was almost ready, and the kitchen was piled high with dirty pots and pans, I grabbed the paper plates out of the cupboard and put the china away. We’ve used paper plates almost every year since, but I do buy the ‘fancy’ paper plates.

Thanksgiving dinner is a little more formal, but this is what a typical family meal looks like.
That dream of looking like I stepped off the page of Vogue magazine is more like a fantasy. The truth is that by the time I sit down at the dinner table, I stink of sweat and have gravy smeared down the front of my blouse.
All politeness goes out the window, when dinner is ready. Before I even have a chance to set out all the platters and bowls, there is a line of hungry beasts pushing and clawing to get to the front of the line.
Having adult dinner conversation is about a joke. We usually talk about what Justin Bieber has been up to lately. There’s just no getting around it with twelve and fifteen year old Beliebers in the family.

When I try to get some nice holiday pictures, all I get is MONSTER FACES. Every holiday. Every picture.
Okay, so I know you can relate to some of this. Surely, I am not the only one with failed Thanksgiving dreams. Sometimes you just have to laugh about something to make it okay. All humor aside, what I am thankful for on Thanksgiving and every day of the year, is the time I have with my beloved family and friends. When all is said and done, we’ve had a great holiday. It’s always a fun party for us!

If you at all enjoyed reading my Thanksgiving confession or even if you didn’t, you’re going to love the #MotherFunny stuff going on at NickMom. In fact, NickMom makes me feel better about my own Thanksgiving mishaps. NickMom offers Moms real stores and real laughs. Chances are that during the day your television is tuned to Nickelodeon or Nick Jr. during the day, but after the kids go to bed at night you can tune in to NickMom for super fun programming that is just for Moms.
If you need a good laugh, or just a distraction from the family driving you crazy while you’re trying to prepare for your big Thanksgiving dinner next week, check out the NickMom web site for some #MotherFunny laughs and giggles!
You can also get a good laugh by following @NickMomon Twitter and on Facebook at Facebook.com/NickMom.


Bahahaha! This is my family too! Especially the pictures.
haha! Looks like a blast!
Looks like you’re being real and growing relationships – not worrying about the fancy hoopla. To me, it’s easy to get lost in the beauty of relationships when we’re worried about the plates, spoons and knives.
I love Rebecca’s response! My Thanksgiving is practically the same way.
Oh my goodness we look like the Beverly Hill Billies. Hard to believe the monster face is a model. If we are one thing we are real. Can’t wait for some more…um interesting pics this year. NickMom made me laugh their families are almost as funny as ours……almost.
I love this post, I can relate to so much of it. For some reason, really weird things, unexpected things always seem to happen to me on Thanksgiving, and I don’t know why…man do I have some stories. Oh, and as for picture-perfect, come eat Thanksgiving dinner with my in-laws when they are hiding the “Fart machine” under the table. ;))
Oh my gosh, Beeb! That is so funny. My brother loves using his fart app.
Super funny!!! I laughed at your story!! Because both sides of our family live so far away, there is only the four of us which makes it easy and manageable. Thanks for the laugh and being so real!!! Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!
Paper plates is totally the way to go!! LOL
Sounds like Thanksgiving at my house. But that just makes for the best family memories! Have a great one!
Ah yes, the monster faces! Here, too- usually with tongues sticking out!