somewhere along the way we decided that we had more fun with our friends than with our family. We go to friend's homes for holidays, or they come here. I think the single friends, the church friends, the new neighbors, the young couple far from home...who wouldn't like to pick their family? Give it a try next year. Pot luck. You only make the turkey. You get to try some new dishes that way too.
And our friends like us because we ARE strange. Friends think we are unique, family thinks we are weird, and some sort of never ending supply of work and talent and finances. They let us always do it, because we always have. We can handle it, so they let us. next year don't call them, let them call you. When they ask what you are doing for thanksgiving say,"I haven't planned anything. What are YOU doing for Thanksgiving?"
And you do have a lovely dinning room! And the egg plate was the first thing I noticed!
Trudy had a good time! look at her. She's still happy.