Thanksgiving Planning Can Begin!

I love Thanksgiving and now that November is officially upon, I can start my Thanksgiving planning. (One holiday at a time, as much as possible. There is not reason to rush past the fall holidays to get to winter.) The menu stays pretty much along same lines and same traditions as it has for years. While my family starts talking turkey (literally), I know my basics... Mushroom Walnut Wellington, Almond Mushroom Stuffing, mashed potatoes, various vegetable dishes, mushroom onion gravy, rolls, assorted desserts, and a cranberry punch. (People don't really make punch a lot for things, but I like it. Must be the remnants of a 1960's hostess passed down through my family line.)

In the next week, I will sit down with my brother (and maybe my mom) to make the plan for the family meal. The vegetarian stuff is mine and mine alone, I prefer it that way: the wellington, the stuffing, and the gravy. He will take care of the meat-based stuff and vegetables will be split between me and sometimes my mom. I'm the only one who does green beans and typically do a Thanksgiving style cranberry punch. Appetizers will be divided based on who wants to make what. I usually do a cheese ball that My sister will bring dessert and/or rolls, especially since she usually has more than one Thanksgiving that day. My other brothers will... eat.

I've already started shopping a little, picking up things I find on sale, things that will store until use so I don't have to get everything at once. Two large containers of vegetable stock are sitting on the counter now waiting and ready. I've even considered making a vegan gel dessert this year, giving a nod to the recipes of old with the new traditions and the lifestyle I adhere to now.

What holiday traditions do you hold dear and what new traditions are you creating for the upcoming Thanksgiving day?