Navigating Invitations to Thanksgiving: When to Accept or Decline
Every year, as Thanksgiving approaches, the question of how to handle uninvited guests at your holiday dinner arises. Whether you're hosting, or someone unknown to you shows up at your doorstep, deciding whether to accept or decline their invitation can be challenging. This article aims to provide some guidance and insights into these scenarios.
Polite Decline if You Have Other Plans
If you have already made plans for Thanksgiving, it’s important to be polite but firm in declining other invitations. This applies whether you are personally invited to a friend's or family member's house. It’s always better to express your gratitude for the invitation first, then clearly communicate your plans. For example, you might say, 'Thank you so much for the invitation. Unfortunately, I already have other plans, but I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving!'
Preparing for Unexpected Guests
One helpful approach is to have food prepared in case an unexpected guest shows up. As mentioned in the original text, leftover soup and dumplings, along with some fried rice, can be a simple yet effective solution. Here’s a recipe for a quick and easy preparation:
Leftover Fried Rice with Mixed Vegetables
Leftover rice Assorted mixed vegetables (e.g., carrots, peas, onions) Oil for cooking Soy sauce or other seasonings to taste Eggs (optional)Instructions:
Cook the leftover rice if needed. Prepare the mixed vegetables by washing and chopping them. In a large pan, heat some oil and cook the vegetables first. Add the cooked rice and mix well. Cook the rice for a few more minutes, stir-frying until heated through. Add soy sauce or other seasonings and mix well.
This dish can easily be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator, ready for use when an unexpected guest arrives.
Empty House and No-Frontiers Thanksgiving
It's important to remember that Thanksgiving is not celebrated in all parts of the world. For instance, in the context of Taiwan, where the original text is set, Thanksgiving may not be a traditional holiday. Therefore, it is not unusual for homes to be empty during this time, especially if residents are at work or school.
As the original text describes, themes of caretaking and resentment can arise when in-laws or other relatives throw uninvited Thanksgiving parties. These situations can be difficult to navigate, as they often involve a blend of simultaneous hospitality and resentment.
Setting a Place and Extra Servings
When hosting a guest who shows up uninvited, it’s advisable to have an extra place set at the table. This can make the guest feel welcomed and respected. Additionally, preparing 3-5 extra servings in case a guest does show up can be a practical solution. This practice can go a long way in making the guest feel welcome.
For those who are not social hosters anymore, the situation can be even more straightforward. With a small household of just two people, formal tables and fancy meals are a rarity. This year, the idea might be to prepare a simple menu like Sage butter Cornish Game Hens or a chicken, with side dishes like stuffing, mashed potatoes, homemade cranberry sauce, rolls, and gravy.
Respecting Boundaries and Limited Invitations
Lastly, it's important to respect your boundaries and the boundaries of others. Just because someone “invites” themselves does not mean they have the right to intrude. However, it’s also not fair to completely ignore someone who genuinely needs a place to be on a special day. If it’s known that the person has no place to go, it’s best to extend an invitation rather than let them stand outside.
The final note is about acknowledging the context of the invites. As mentioned in the original text, the term “invited themselves” can mean either someone showed up uninvited or said they would see you on a holiday without prior invitation. In the latter case, it’s better to politely decline. However, if it’s clear that the person needs a place to be and has no one else to turn to, it’s important to welcome them just as one would have been welcomed by others when in need.
Ultimately, the key is to remain thoroughly considerate and respectful of all parties involved. Whether you are the host or the guest, a little bit of thoughtfulness can make a world of difference in how the holiday is experienced.