Thanksgiving always kicks off the busy holiday season and our attention turns to family, food, and fun. There are so many reasons to be thankful this year, and while we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving a little differently, we can still enjoy quality time with family and friends. Here at 20 West, we want to help you create new Thanksgiving holiday traditions, so pop that turkey in the oven and get ready to relax and have fun!
Cooking Tips and Recipes
What are your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes? We love creamy mashed potatoes with lots of butter and homemade cranberry sauce! No matter how many you’re cooking for, making the meal come together is the challenge. We recommend prepping early. How? Start menu planning a week ahead, then get that grocery shopping done. A few days before, soak your turkey in brine water and prep make-ahead casseroles.
Safety in the Kitchen
No matter how well you prep, cooking will keep you busy. Make sure you have lots of crafts and activities planned for the kids, so you can keep them away from dangerous hot ovens and stovetops. We recommend hands-on crafts that allow kids to be creative.
Once everyone is stuffed to the gills, ignore the dishes, and get outside for some safe, socially distanced activity before the tryptophan kicks in! Grab the football and head over to nearby Busse Park! There are plenty of open spaces to spread out and toss the ball around or take a leisurely walk on the 1/2 mile path.
Online Black Friday Shopping
Once the dreaded kitchen clean-up is done, it’s time to start thinking about Black Friday. That’s right, folks! Thanksgiving marks the start of the busy holiday season and this year the focus is on online Black Friday shopping. Wal-Mart has already released its Black Friday deals, and you can conveniently pick up your purchases at your local store in Mt. Prospect Plaza.
Sure, Thanksgiving is going to be a little different this year, but the best parts stay the same, including amazing food and quality time with our loved ones. From our 20 West family to yours: stay safe this holiday season and Happy Thanksgiving!
