Thanksgiving is a holiday marked by tradition, comforting in its predictability. Last year, mid-surge and pre-vaccine, Covid disrupted our plans. We adapted with virtual, socially distanced or very small immediate family celebrations, but it wasn’t the same. This year finds us more hopeful than last but still cautious. If the MPRM team is any indication, we will be gathering in larger groups but for the most part not quite as big as pre-pandemic.
Some of us will be returning to tradition while others will experiment. Dustin won’t be making any changes to his menu, which includes brining his turkey in a blend that includes Jamesons whiskey, while I am doing a menu mashup from the LA Times, NY Times and Bon Appetit for a small family group. Sylvia will be hosting her annual Misfits Thanksgiving, larger than last year but smaller than years past and Jackie will be setting new traditions for the years to follow as she assumes hosting duties from her parents. Ali’s family will be returning to her grandparents house as is their family’s custom, with a big change in the menu because so many have become vegan/vegetarians over the last year — same size crowd but smaller turkey than the massive bird from before. Alex’s Croatian family is planning to regroup after a two year absence and Mark, Caitlin and Lisa are among those traveling home to family for the holiday, contributing to those record-breaking TSA numbers. Summer and Natalie are staying local but celebrating with a family group that is expanding to include Aunts, Uncles and Grandparents.
The four day weekend is a welcome respite from one of the busiest times of the year work-wise. From holiday gift guides, movies and television specials, to awards-campaigns for film, television and streaming clients to gearing up for Sundance and CES, we’re in the thick of it. And, if that’s not enough, we’re scheduling year end reviews, an abbreviated company meeting and annual holiday party — both in person and outdoors (happiness is living in Southern California) — and planning for 2022.
So we will come back from the holiday stuffed, especially those of us also celebrating Hanukkah, and rested, ready to tackle it all because there are only a few weeks left in the year and a lot to accomplish.