The first time I cooked a turkey I left the plastic bag with the innards inside. The outcome was not good.

eeeeewwwww :P Sdf

I say ... eat what you like to eat.

I second that. We rarely have turkey--sometimes its ham, sometimes BBQ--and when it IS turkey, my mom or whoever is hosting buys a smoked one from the local BBQ who will smoke customers' turkeys for a price (you bring the turkey & they smoke it.) Any local cuisine would be good--or any international food you want to try! We enjoy being together and feasting (of course) on good food--but we're not tied to "traditional". Talk to your family--they may surprise you. And if they don't, put them to work in the kitchen or ask guests to bring the side dishes--you shouldn't have to do all the work!

I have not ever cooked a turkey. I like Ham best.

GG
I guess you could say we pardon the turkey at my house.

I say ... eat what you like to eat

I would agree but my diligence back-fired on me......my husband and kids LOVE the turkey tradition.....so I'm VERY grateful for a good friend who watches my back!!

I say ... eat what you like to eat

So it's just desserts then?
Oh and pumkin pie for balance :O)