Thanksgiving Day was upon us. Out of everything that we had planned for the week, this proved to be the most ambitious endeavor. Coincidentally, Chelsae's parents were also visiting Japan during this week AND our friend Akira and his wife wanted to experience an American Thanksgiving. This brought our attendance up to a whopping 13 people for the meal. It doesn't seem very impressive by normal American standards, but it's quite impressive considering our situation here.
We rented a large room with a full kitchen to accommodate our celebration. Four ovens and stove tops were working simultaneously in three separate rooms to cook all of the turkeys, pies, and casseroles. I was constantly on the phone, sending runners, or dashing from room-to-room myself. I felt like an army general coordinating a strike on three war fronts. Aside from difficulties with the gas ovens in the rental room, we functioned as a well oiled Thanksgiving-preparation machine.
Here we are carving up one of the birds. We purchased two 7-lb turkeys for dinner, mere babies compared to their American counterparts. Would you like to guess what the total was for both turkeys...? I will give you some options for your guess:
As with all holiday gatherings, there are two potential outcomes. In one scenario the turkey is moist, smiles are on everybody's face, and joyous chatter fills the room. It is the picture perfect holiday feast.
However, there is an alternative outcome. One where the smallest mis-speak could result in a full on fistfight, babies crying everywhere, drinks get knocked over...oh, and the turkey is as dry as the Sahara.
Lucky for us, and babies everywhere, Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely amazing. Before we dug into the food, we went around the table and everyone said what they were thankful for. Of course, it got emotional as many of us ended up crying, myself included. There was just so much to be thankful for: visiting family, delicious food, amazing friends, wonderful jobs, loving family and friends back in the States, ect., ect., ect. The list of blessings is endless.
We rented a large room with a full kitchen to accommodate our celebration. Four ovens and stove tops were working simultaneously in three separate rooms to cook all of the turkeys, pies, and casseroles. I was constantly on the phone, sending runners, or dashing from room-to-room myself. I felt like an army general coordinating a strike on three war fronts. Aside from difficulties with the gas ovens in the rental room, we functioned as a well oiled Thanksgiving-preparation machine.
Katie Jean preparing her now famous 'crustless pumpkin pie'.
The girls enjoying some sashimi that Akira brought. Although he really wanted an American Thankgiving, he thought it was appropriate to add a little Japanese flavor.
Just hanging out, waiting for the rest of the food to be done.
A) $25 B) $30 C) $50 D) $65
Take a moment to decide (and don't cheat, cheater)...
...
...
OK! Times up!
The correct answer was D) $65! This is more than 4X the price of turkeys in the U.S. (e.g. a 16lb turkey cost $17.66 in 2010). In fact, the cost of our turkeys surpassed the average cost of a full thanksgiving meal in the U.S. ($43.47 - American Farm Bureau) Cost aside, we were determined to do Thanksgiving the right way.
Classic food line; Round 1: Turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, sweet potato casserole, green bean casserole, broccoli casserole, salad, and cranberry sauce.
As with all holiday gatherings, there are two potential outcomes. In one scenario the turkey is moist, smiles are on everybody's face, and joyous chatter fills the room. It is the picture perfect holiday feast.
However, there is an alternative outcome. One where the smallest mis-speak could result in a full on fistfight, babies crying everywhere, drinks get knocked over...oh, and the turkey is as dry as the Sahara.
Lucky for us, and babies everywhere, Thanksgiving dinner was absolutely amazing. Before we dug into the food, we went around the table and everyone said what they were thankful for. Of course, it got emotional as many of us ended up crying, myself included. There was just so much to be thankful for: visiting family, delicious food, amazing friends, wonderful jobs, loving family and friends back in the States, ect., ect., ect. The list of blessings is endless.
Thanksgiving Day posse. Clockwise from left: Matt, Chelsae, Gavin, Shelby, Reagan, Joe, Mom (empty seat, taking photo), Kate, me, Jonce, Katie Jean, Masako, Akira.
I asked my mom what her favorite activity in Japan was, and why. I think her response sums up the day quite well.
" THANKSGIVING! Best Thanksgiving ever for me!! I got to be around my boys, and their lovely Katies, and my lovely Joe! I guess my co-workers were really worried about me flying with cans of black olives and cranberries, etc. in my suitcase. They were sure they would see me on the 6 o'clock news as the latest pipe bomb terrorist or something. Anyway, all the Thanksgiving preparation, all the people cooking in different kitchens, the quirky ovens that kept shutting off, the $65.00 turkeys.....fun! The wonderful people at dinner, the "what are you thankful for" confessions, the laughing, and hugs...all amazing. "
Amazing indeed! Definitely the most memorable Thanksgiving in my life. More to come!
-Seth
January 10, 2011 at 7:15 AM
oh man you are so funny with those videos! I am surprised I look so awake and well in the photos after all the things that may or may not have transpired the night before at karaoke!
I love having these blog posts to read but it is crazy that it makes our trip seem so much shorter than it seemed when we were there! We really miss you guys, Caden has been talking about you guys a lot lately!