Thanksgiving: A gathering of family … and germs
I know I’m guilty of this. When you have company coming, it’s often the “visible” clutter and dirt you work to quickly remove.
But, Thanksgiving, like other large, family gatherings, means you’re going to have a lot of people — and a lot of exposure to germs.
A survey conducted recently by Clorox offered this insight:
- Before guests arrive, (65%) of those responding always clean the crumbs (visible debris, dirt and dust) and wash guest linens (63%) compared to fifty three percent who disinfect germ hot spots in the bathroom, kitchen and living room.
- Overall survey responders reported cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting more frequently after guests leave than before they arrive or during their stay.
- Nearly half of respondents mistakenly believe cleaning with soap and water kills bacteria (47%), and more than a third mistakenly believe it kills cold and flu viruses (39%).
This survey was put forth by a cleaning agent company, so, of course, the message is going to be that you need to disinfect and make your home more germ-free friendly.
But, that’s a good message, especially since you want to help prevent the spread of those little cold sniffles or other illnesses, like the flu.
According to a graphic created by The Clorox Company, some of the germ “hotspots” you might consider wiping down before and during family gatherings include (and I’ve added a few of my own):
You get the idea. And, yes, I know we should keep our homes clean all the time, but the reality is that sometimes, some of us, let the chores slip a little.
How do you keep your home always company-friendly and clean?
Or, do you have some cleaning tips you’d like to share?
– Linda Lynn
Green bean casserole, pumpkin pie or paper plates: Which will I bring?
Each Thanksgiving for the past 23 years I have traveled out of town to enjoy a traditional feast with my husband’s family in Stigler, OK.
In the beginning, I don’t think I was expected to bring anything, not even a green bean casserole. I was the girlfriend, so there weren’t a lot of demands.
Even after we were married, my mother-in-law, Irene, would tell me, “Just bring paper plates and cups.”
I would wonder if it was a hidden message about my cooking skills, but I’m sure it was just to make it easier for me.
Occasionally, when we stayed at her house, I would make something there. But this is the lineup of what I’ve brought through the years … nothing spectacular:
- Paper plates and cups 
- Pickles and olives
- Cream cheese, salsa, cheese and crackers
- A store-bought cheesecake
- Cookies
- Pumpkin bread
- Rolls
I’ve never brought the true backbone dishes of the meal: Turkey, ham, cornbread dressing, gravy, sweet potatoes, corn, salad, cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, Mountain Dew cake, and, of course, chocolate, coconut, mincemeat, pecan or pumpkin pie. 
So, what am I bringing this year?
I’m not sure yet … maybe a pie or bread or cookies or cupcakes …. I’m determined to not bring paper anything!
But, I’m sure, when it’s Wednesday night and I’m tired and I know we have to get up early Thanksgiving morning to travel, I’ll wish Irene was telling me, “Just bring paper plates and cups.”
– Linda Lynn
