Every family has their own touch and traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving. Here we talk to four locals about they spend the day, the must have dishes, and what they are grateful for this year.
Krystal Lynn Carey, Owner of Botox Junky
'One tradition I’ve carried over from childhood is going around the table and sharing what we’re thankful for before the meal. Besides the turkey, my must-have is my family’s homemade Pecan Pie—it’s rich, decadent, and always the first dessert gone. In my family, it’s always been potluck style. Everyone has their ‘signature’ dish they bring every year—it’s kind of our tradition. It’s fun to see the same favorites show up.One of our favorite Thanksgiving traditions is starting the day slow—staying in our pajamas, sipping coffee, and watching the parade while the house fills with all the good cooking smells. After dinner, we love to curl up for a movie or just sit around talking and laughing.'
Lori and Scott Neff, Owners of As You Wish
'For me, it was always about gathering as much family as possible. Today, it is still all about family and friends. Luckily, Arizona has the perfect weather that time of year, so we set up tables and a big buffet outside and enjoy the day together.' Lori says that a few must-haves at the table include 'green bean casserole, rolls, olives, and chocolate cream pie.' Since they tend to host a big crowd, Scott adds, 'These days we need two turkeys. Every year, a youth group at our church smokes turkeys as a camp fundraiser, and we always buy two to support them.' Lori also says that Thanksgiving has to be a group effort. 'My philosophy is “many hands make light work. That way, everyone can enjoy the day instead of one person being stuck in the kitchen.' Scott says, 'Afterwards, we relax with football and conversation before enjoying leftovers in the evening.'
Dr. Alex Matheson, Owner of Matheson Dentistry
The night before Thanksgiving, Dr, Matheson says they dig a pit and have a bonfire around which they drink hot chocolate, eat chili and Fritos, and roast marshmallows. Afterwards they cook a turkey in the barbeque pit all night to enjoy the next day, resulting in a a perfect, tender turkey. Whenever they host, they expect a crowd of roughly 40-50 people. When the weather is nice they play football and other games before eating around lunchtime and grazing the rest of the day. Another tradition is to go around the table and give thanks, but in alphabetical order. In addition to turkey they do the usual sides of stuffing, rolls, and a salad, but also love a pumpkin pie cheesecake. On the day, Dr. Matheson says he cooks the turkey but is also part of the 'set up and take down' crew. Finally, the next day they enjoy attending the Arizona state football game.
Leah Martineau, Vice Mayor of Queen Creek
Leah says a staple of their Thanksgiving are her mother's rolls, 'They are perfectly soft, fluffy and buttery.' Another must is a slice of coconut cream pie. While Leah admits she is not a master in the kitchen she does make a cheeseball, which is a crowd pleaser. She says, 'I always like to find new activities and adapt to the different stages of life we are in. When my children were younger, I put up a paper tree, and we would add leaves with the things we were thankful for on them. As they got older, we found ways to serve others, like taking a full Thanksgiving meal to group homes.' Leah loves history and makes sure they understand the meaning behind Thanksgiving. For the last four years, a few from her neighborhood also put on a Turkey Trot.