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By Katie Bianco, Stefanie Gans and Michael Balderston
Mashed potatoes, family and not shopping
I’m going to New Jersey for Thanksgiving, but to me, this isn’t just a night, it’s a multi-day extravaganza to catch up with extended family and old friends. I have a (no children allowed!) double-date with my brother and his wife Wednesday night and we’re hoping to get into the best restaurant in the South Jersey suburbs: Hearthside. Thursday is all-day, all-night cooking, eating and drinking; Friday is a get-together with high school friends and our collective kids; Saturday is a brunch with whatever relatives are in town who we didn’t see on the official Thanksgiving night and Sunday is the schlep back to reality and a night of ordering-in from Bombay Curry Co. in Del Ray for a break from leftovers. -SG
Mashed potatoes, family and lots of shopping
As I’ve mentioned before in this newsletter, I have two small children and, although life with a 2-and-a-half year old and 7 month old is utterly exhausting, the holiday season definitely feels more magical these days. Which is why I’m extra excited for Thanksgiving this year. We’ll be spending the day with my family in Arlington pigging out on turkey and all the trimmings, followed by some Black Friday shopping. I’m not one to hit the mall at midnight, but you’ll definitely find me out and about Friday afternoon. Check out our roundup of Black Friday best bets here. And don’t forget to give some love to the region’s local stores on Shop Small Saturday. Alexandria is a particular fave of mine for post-Thanksgiving shopping. -KB
Dealing with my “guilt” of not running
My Thanksgivings always starts by hopping into the car early Thursday morning and making my way up to Pennsylvania to celebrate with extended family. This means that participating in a Thanksgiving day Turkey Trot is essentially impossible for me, which now that I’ve picked up the habit a bit more, makes me feel a little guilty. I guess I’ll just have to deal with that bit of guilt with an extra helping of turkey and sides, then running an extra mile or something next week. -MB
