Kitchen Chronicles: The Turkey Tango

Welcome to Kitchen Chronicles: Wednesday Wisdom and Whisked Reflections on a Thursday.

If there’s one thing the holidays have taught me, it’s this: the kitchen can be a battlefield. Every year, I vow that this Christmas will be different. I’ll plan ahead, which of course means starting before Thanksgiving—even before the turkey hits the table (figuratively, not literally). I’ll stay calm and effortlessly channel my inner Martha Stewart.

But somehow, chaos always sneaks in, like a mischievous elf on the shelf ready to knock over my carefully stacked to-do list.

It all starts innocently enough. I write out my ambitious grocery list, determined to beat the crowds and start baking early. This year, I’m making homemade goodies for everyone I meet. “How hard could it be?” I tell myself. But as I stand in the grocery aisle, staring blankly at shelves of flour and sugar, I’m paralyzed by an important question: What am I making for Christmas Eve dinner?

“Do I stick with the classics? Should I try something new? Or, my personal favorite: can I just afford to have it catered? Because let’s face it—I still can’t cook!” Before I know it, my cart is stuck in traffic, and I’m frantically Googling, “How to Martha Stewart a meal in a Crock-Pot in less than 24 hours.”

The Culinary Olympics Begin

When it’s time to prep, my kitchen turns into a full-blown Olympic event. There I am, juggling the main meal, experimenting with new recipes (because naturally, I have to try them right now), and baking cookies like I’m feeding half the city.

At some point, I convince myself that I can make 12 different kinds of cookies in one day because why not? Somewhere between starting another batch of dough and realizing I forgot eggs (again), I glance at the clock. Time is slipping away, and I’m running out of steam. Cue the panic.

A Sweet Reminder

But here’s the thing about these moments of culinary chaos—they have a way of reminding me what’s truly important. As I’m frantically whisking icing and the kitchen timer blares like a fire alarm, I catch a glimpse of my kids.

There they are, laughing with flour in their hair, helping me dip cookies at 1:00 in the morning. Suddenly, the number of desserts doesn’t matter, and the candy that doesn’t look anything like the Pinterest picture feels like the least of my worries.

In that moment, I’m reminded of God’s love—a love that isn’t measured by how much we accomplish or how perfect our holiday turns out. Just as I delight in my kids’ messy, flour-covered joy, God delights in us exactly as we are. His love is unconditional, steady, and never dependent on whether we get the cookies right or burn the rolls.

A Thanksgiving Truth

So, as you prepare for Thanksgiving—whether you’re hosting, bringing a side dish, or showing up with store-bought pie—remember this:

• The turkey might be dry, but laughter is the best seasoning.

• The rolls might burn, but gratitude will outshine them.

• And if all else fails, pizza delivery is just a call away.

  
  

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with joy, laughter, and maybe just a little chaos to keep things interesting. If your gravy turns out lumpy, don’t worry—you’re in good company. After all, the holidays aren’t about perfection; they’re about celebrating love and togetherness.

Happy Thanksgiving, friends! May your hearts (and bellies) be full.

In faith and friendship,

Maria