By Cheryl Maguire

This is how I wanted to respond to my 11-year-old daughter’s request to host Thanksgiving, “Not if I can help it,” since I hate cooking, cleaning, and anything related to hosting for 20 people. But I knew that wasn’t the answer she was looking for. Instead I responded like any mom would that is hoping to avoid a debate: “Maybe.”

“YES!” My daughter screamed, pumping her fist like she just won the lottery.

“Careful,” I reminded, “It isn’t a ‘yes’ yet. Now go get ready for school.”

I made a long list of reasons why going to Auntie’s house for Thanksgiving would be far superior to hosting. Then I won a turkey from a contest at the YMCA. If I didn’t know any better, I would have thought that my daughter somehow rigged the contest.

“That means we’re hosting Thanksgiving,” my daughter noted. “I can’t wait to decorate the house, bake, and have everyone here!”

Easy for her to say. She didn’t have to go to the grocery store, clean the house, and spend days cooking and baking. Or did she? 

“OK, but you have to help me every step of the way.”

“YES!” Again my daughter screamed, pumping her fist like she just won the lottery.

Clearly, she had no idea what she was in for, much like the poor turkeys with whom we celebrate.

At the crowded grocery store, I felt frustrated maneuvering crowded aisles. My young Padawan was unfazed, wearing a perpetual smile as if she was at Disney World. (There were some parallels, like mobs of people and an overabundance of food but it was lacking in those wishing you a magical day.)

While cleaning, my daughter maintained a sunny disposition. She played music and danced, and the song “Whistle While You Work” popped into my head. Maybe my daughter is going to be a Disney character one day.

When I didn’t think it was possible for her to be any happier, she was elated to cook and bake.

During preparations, my daughter never complained, even while taking out the garbage or washing dishes. Her enthusiasm was infectious and I might even go so far as to say it was fun to host. The best part was spending time with her and realizing that something I thought was tedious could be entertaining.

“Mom, can we host Christmas?”

Even though I enjoyed hosting, I thought we were getting a little ahead of ourselves by discussing this before Thanksgiving dinner was over.

“Maybe.”

“YES!” my daughter screamed, pumping her fist like she just won the lottery.

Looks like we will be hosting Christmas, too. 

Cheryl Maguire holds a Master of Counseling Psychology degree. She is married and is the mother of twins and a daughter. Her writing has been published in The New York Times, National Geographic, Parents Magazine, AARP, Healthline, Your Teen Magazine and many other publications. She is a professional member of ASJA and SATW. You can find her on X @CherylMaguire05.