Dear Ruthie,
Here’s a Thanksgiving Day dilemma I’m hoping you can solve. My wife and I have been married for just over a year, and we’re hosting our first Thanksgiving (ever) for BOTH of our families, who live out of town. That’s a tall order for two people who have never hosted the granddaddy of all holiday meals—by the way, both our granddaddies coming.
Both families will be in town by 3 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day. One family wants to celebrate on Thursday since they’ll be hungry from the drive, but the other family wants to celebrate on Friday, after they’ve had a night to rest up. Personally, we’d like to have Thanksgiving on Friday with a special “welcome” buffet on Thursday. The one family is making a stink about this, however, saying we’re breaking tradition.
The families are “getting into it” already over this, and we don’t need World War III at the dinner table. Any thoughts on what we should do?
Thankful for You!
Grumpy Gobbler Girl
Dear Gobbler,
Your house, your rules, your Thanksgiving. Your plan makes sense to me but, truly, the only thing that makes sense is what matters to you two hosts.
If I were you, I’d make sure Friday’s buffet was special (even if it’s casual), and the night extra fun. Who knows? Maybe you’ll create a new tradition! Work in a Friday night toast, reminding everyone that the holiday is about being grateful, and that the two of you are thankful to be surrounded by those you love. No one can turn an ugly eye to a heartfelt toast about family... whether it’s on Thanksgiving or the day after.
If that doesn’t work, tell ’em to stuff it where the sun doesn’t shine and a toss a pumpkin pie at their Plymouth Rocks.
Ruthie’s Social Calendar
Nov. 22— Christkindlmarket at Fiserv Forum (1111 N. Vel R. Phillips Ave.): The sights of a German Yuletide meet the heart of Brew City, along with the excitement of the Fiserv Forum during this outdoor marketplace. In addition to gifts and collectables, you’ll find lots of savory bites and drinks (of course!) as well as live music and other family-friendly entertainment. See christkindlmarket.com/milwaukee for a list of vendors, entertainment lineups and more. The marketplace opens at 11 a.m. most days and runs through Dec. 31.
Nov. 22—Women’s Coming Out Group at Milwaukee LGBT Community Center (1110 N. Market St.): If you’re a female struggling with coming out or facing challenges regarding gender identity, this free support group might be for you. Join the 6-7:30 p.m. discussion in Room 210 of the center. Call 414-271-2656 with questions.
Nov. 22—Complimentary Thanksgiving Dinner at LVL Bistro (801 S. Second St.): Bring a donation for Courage MKE, and you’ll enjoy a turkey supper on the house. Doors open at 4 p.m., with dinner at 6 p.m., but remember that meals are dished out on a first come first serve basis; when they’re gone, they’re gone. So, shake your tailfeather over to LVL Bistro for a Friendsgiving feast.
Nov. 23—Whose Drag is it Anyway, Black Friday Edition at D.I.X. (739 S. First St.): Comedy queens invade the Walker’s Point hot spot with a post-Turkey Day party. Hosts Sylvia Nyxx and Dixie Kuppe get your gobbler going when funny lady—and winner of “Camp Wannakiki”—Alexis P. Bevels stops by. Drink specials, dancing and drag make for a memorable long weekend. The craziness starts at 10 p.m.
Nov. 24—RUFFHOUSE Party at This Is It! (418 E. Wells St.): At 10 p.m., the lights go down and the heat turns up at one of Milwaukee’s most popular bars. Arrive early because DJ 5AM packs the place and fills it with dance beats all night long.
Nov. 28—“An Evening with Megan Hilty” at Marcus Center for The Performing Arts (929 N. Water St.): The talented Tony nominee, TV sensation and Broadway diva rides into Cream City with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as her backup. See why this incredible entertainer is so beloved as she belts out Broadway’s best, holiday favorites and heartfelt ballots. Get tickets to the 7:30 p.m. concert at mso.org.
Nov. 28—“Ginger Minj: Crossdresser for Christ-mas” at Hamburger Mary’s (730 S. Fifth St.): The darling of RuPaul’s Drag Race sheds her season-7 skin to entertain the masses at Milwaukee’s hamburger haven. Laugh your way into the holidays as the former Southern Baptist recounts tales of her youth through comedy and songs, while putting the “fun” back into dysfunction. See brownpapertickets.com for $25 seats ($45 VIP option with meet-and-greet afterward).
Ask Ruthie a question and share your events at DearRuthie@Shepex.com. Follow her on Instagram @ruthiekeester and Facebook at Dear Ruthie.
