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Thanksgiving is a unique day of the year. It doesn't revolve around candy like Halloween or Easter and doesn't involve gift-giving like Christmas or birthdays.

Instead, it focuses largely on your skills in the kitchen and your ability to tolerate people. But while we expect the rich aroma of roasted turkey or the warmth of pumpkin pie, sometimes life brings us kitchen fires and slippery stairs.

So, in an attempt to remind you that our holidays don't have to (and probably will never) be perfect, we at Bored Panda put together a list of some of the most unfortunate Thanksgiving fails.

Oh, and while you're at it, don't miss the chat we had on surviving and even enjoying this hectic festivity with Dr. Jennifer Hardy, a psychologist from Maryville, Tennessee. You'll find it spread between the pictures.

#1

My Sister Was Supposed To Bring A Dessert For Thanksgiving

My Sister Was Supposed To Bring A Dessert For Thanksgiving

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It's important not to allow setbacks such as the ones we see in the pictures to get the best of us, since the holidays can already be demanding due to the intensified focus on family, work, and money.

In fact, according to a study carried out by Greenberg Quinlan Rosner and featured by the American Psychological Association, more people are inclined to feel that their stress increases (38 percent), rather than decreases (8 percent) during these special occasions.

#3

My Solid White Husky/Shepherd Decided Thanksgiving Lunch Was The Perfect Opportunity To Be A Bad Boy

My Solid White Husky/Shepherd Decided Thanksgiving Lunch Was The Perfect Opportunity To Be A Bad Boy

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#4

My Boyfriend Fell Down Our Stairs On Thanksgiving Day. Instead Of Fixing The Hole, We Got Creative

My Boyfriend Fell Down Our Stairs On Thanksgiving Day. Instead Of Fixing The Hole, We Got Creative

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This added stress is felt more by women (44 percent) than men (31 percent), who are also less likely to take time to relax or manage that pressure in healthy ways, both of which are crucial to our well-being.

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Stress and the harmful behaviors it causes contribute to some of our biggest health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. So it’s imperative that people prepare not only the table but also themselves for Thanksgiving.

#5

I Accidently Branded Rachael Ray's Name On Myself With One Of Her Roasting Trays

I Accidently Branded Rachael Ray's Name On Myself With One Of Her Roasting Trays

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#6

It Only Lasted 10 Minutes, But Come On

It Only Lasted 10 Minutes, But Come On

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"There are so many reasons why the holidays are stressful," psychologist Dr. Jennifer Hardy, who also shares valuable tips on mental health on her Instagram, told Bored Panda, listing "changes to your typical rhythm and routines, the avalanche of work before and after any vacation, long-standing family conflicts that refuse to be ignored, and sensory overwhelm from dozens of family members packed into living rooms and around dining tables."

But she said we can't forget expectations too. "They are everywhere and are often impossible to live up to. Aunt Margie expects everyone to show their love by eating themselves into a stomach ache. Uncle Tommy needs people to be impressed by his kids' career accomplishments. Grandpa Joe assumes that he gets to set the itinerary and the schedule, unilaterally canceling the little kids' naps. Your sister still thinks she can boss you around. Maybe you need the holiday to go perfectly, to make memories worthy of a Hallmark movie."

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"The trick is that expectations are often unspoken and may not even be conscious," Dr. Hardy highlighted. "When they aren't met, it's a recipe for anger, resentment, and disappointment."

#7

Mom Was Making Thanksgiving Pie When Suddenly This Happened

Mom Was Making Thanksgiving Pie When Suddenly This Happened

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#8

My Wife Tried Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner For Us And Actually Burned The Cookbook

My Wife Tried Cooking Thanksgiving Dinner For Us And Actually Burned The Cookbook

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"If you need a solid nine hours of sleep to feel human, then it's pretty unrealistic to assume you'll be your calmest, happiest self after a night in a sleeping bag on the living room floor," Dr. Hardy explained.

"As much as possible, identify your most important routines and rhythms. Protect them. Communicate your needs ahead of time with the people they may impact, and accept that you may need to advocate for yourself and your boundaries."

#10

Our Family Will Come For Thanksgiving, And My Mom Set Her Oven, Not Remembering That She Had Silicone Rack Guards In There

Our Family Will Come For Thanksgiving, And My Mom Set Her Oven, Not Remembering That She Had Silicone Rack Guards In There

Fun fact: If heated high enough silicone vaporizes and does this to the oven.

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#11

I Win Thanksgiving

I Win Thanksgiving

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Pebs
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Serves them right for making sweet potato casserole with marshmallows.

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#12

Pie Update: "The Paw Print Is Now A Small Sinkhole. The Piece Lives On, For Posterity"

Pie Update: "The Paw Print Is Now A Small Sinkhole. The Piece Lives On, For Posterity"

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If you need a quiet thirty minutes to drink a cup of coffee in the morning and surf the internet, Dr. Hardy suggests informing your house guests about these things ahead of time. After all, cooperation is in everyone's best interest here.

"They will be much more likely to roll with your routines if they actually know what they are. People can't read your mind. In that vein, take the opportunity to ask them what they may need in return."

#13

The Handle Of My Serving Spoon Snapped. Turns Out The Handle Was Full Of Sand, And It Ruined My Delicious Turkey Stuffing

The Handle Of My Serving Spoon Snapped. Turns Out The Handle Was Full Of Sand, And It Ruined My Delicious Turkey Stuffing

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#14

My Brother's Face, From My Point Of View, The Entirety Of Our Thanksgiving Dinner. I Didn't Tell Him Until The End, When We Took The Picture

My Brother's Face, From My Point Of View, The Entirety Of Our Thanksgiving Dinner. I Didn't Tell Him Until The End, When We Took The Picture

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birdhouse
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wouldn't yours look the same to him? Not really a secrete you kept from him.

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#15

Every Year At Thanksgiving, I "Fix" My Aunt's Computer. I Have A Feeling She's Not Keeping Up With My Advice

Every Year At Thanksgiving, I "Fix" My Aunt's Computer. I Have A Feeling She's Not Keeping Up With My Advice

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#16

I Turned The Wrong Stove Burner On, And My Pumpkin Pie Made From Scratch Exploded

I Turned The Wrong Stove Burner On, And My Pumpkin Pie Made From Scratch Exploded

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There's probably no point in obsessing about every little detail, too. So many of them are out of your control.

"Abandon the pressure to curate a perfect holiday experience," Dr. Hardy added. "You do not need to have Instagram-ready decorations, desserts, and crafts. Accept that the family dinner table may not be the best place or time to hash out unresolved family issues and political disagreements."

Instead, "plan ahead with phrases you can use to stop conversations that are only going to ruin the day. It may frustrate people, but it also saves you another unproductive, yet stressful argument."

And, of course, don't forget to follow the example set by the authors of these pictures and laugh at your missteps.

#17

Many People Helped Out With The Dishes On Thanksgiving Dinner. However, Today I Found My Chef's Knife Like This

Many People Helped Out With The Dishes On Thanksgiving Dinner. However, Today I Found My Chef's Knife Like This

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#18

My Sister Made A Turkey Cake. I Can't Decide If It Looks Like A Log Of Poo Or A Dong, But It Ain't A Turkey For Sure

My Sister Made A Turkey Cake. I Can't Decide If It Looks Like A Log Of Poo Or A Dong, But It Ain't A Turkey For Sure

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#19

This Stack Of Plates We Bought For Thanksgiving Only Has The Top Plate Decorated, And The Rest Are Plain White

This Stack Of Plates We Bought For Thanksgiving Only Has The Top Plate Decorated, And The Rest Are Plain White

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#20

Maybe Enough Gravy Can Fix That?

Maybe Enough Gravy Can Fix That?

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#21

An Extended Family Member Broke The Toilet Seat While At A Gathering And Left Without Mentioning It To Anyone

An Extended Family Member Broke The Toilet Seat While At A Gathering And Left Without Mentioning It To Anyone

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ShyWahine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Probably embarrassed as heck ! But still - at least apologize to the host and offer to replace it ...

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#22

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving

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reemerger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

People thinking it's a great idea to tilt plates for photos for 500 please, Alex.

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#23

I Stayed Up Until 4 AM Baking My First Fully From Scratch Apple Pie For Thanksgiving. Stayed Up Until 4:30 AM Having A Breakdown Over Dropping It

I Stayed Up Until 4 AM Baking My First Fully From Scratch Apple Pie For Thanksgiving. Stayed Up Until 4:30 AM Having A Breakdown Over Dropping It

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#24

My Mom And Sister Are Gone For Thanksgiving, So We Had To Improvise

My Mom And Sister Are Gone For Thanksgiving, So We Had To Improvise

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Kyra Heiker
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you are men eating like this because the women are gone, it's what you deserve.

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#25

I Bit Down On My Crown While Eating An Appetizer Right Before Thanksgiving Dinner

I Bit Down On My Crown While Eating An Appetizer Right Before Thanksgiving Dinner

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#26

Well Guess Who Forgot To Take The Thermometer Out When I Checked On The Turkey

Well Guess Who Forgot To Take The Thermometer Out When I Checked On The Turkey

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#28

Presentation Is A Key This Thanksgiving

Presentation Is A Key This Thanksgiving

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#29

On Thanksgiving I Asked My Niece If She Farted. She Got Pretty Upset, And Then Her Mother Caught This Picture Of Our Reactions

On Thanksgiving I Asked My Niece If She Farted. She Got Pretty Upset, And Then Her Mother Caught This Picture Of Our Reactions

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#30

Deep Frying A Turkey On A Windy Day

Deep Frying A Turkey On A Windy Day

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#31

Happy Thanksgiving. This Brutality Is The Work Of My Mother. That Woman Can't Carve A Turkey To Save Her Life

Happy Thanksgiving. This Brutality Is The Work Of My Mother. That Woman Can't Carve A Turkey To Save Her Life

DonkeyToucher Report

#33

This Is How My Thanksgiving Is Going So Far

This Is How My Thanksgiving Is Going So Far

This morning, Whole Foods delivered the groceries that I ordered yesterday but forgot to remove the lock from the bottle of champagne.

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#34

My Friend's Thanksgiving Turkey

My Friend's Thanksgiving Turkey

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#36

My Late Mum Had This Served To Her On Thanksgiving During One Of Her Many Stays In The Hospital. They Called It A "Hot Turkey Sandwich"

My Late Mum Had This Served To Her On Thanksgiving During One Of Her Many Stays In The Hospital. They Called It A "Hot Turkey Sandwich"

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#37

Last Night, We Put Our Turkey Carcass In Water In Our Crockpot Slow Cooker To Make Stock. Later In The Evening, The Glass Lid Spontaneously Shattered

Last Night, We Put Our Turkey Carcass In Water In Our Crockpot Slow Cooker To Make Stock. Later In The Evening, The Glass Lid Spontaneously Shattered

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#38

I Brought Cherry Pie For Our Station Thanksgiving, But I'm Clumsy And Dropped It In The Parking Lot. Thought That Counts?

I Brought Cherry Pie For Our Station Thanksgiving, But I'm Clumsy And Dropped It In The Parking Lot. Thought That Counts?

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#39

Our Thanksgiving

Our Thanksgiving

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reemerger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Maybe you can take it back to the Thanks Giving shop and get it replaced

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#40

Grandfather Tried To Cook A Turkey In A Pizza Oven Today

Grandfather Tried To Cook A Turkey In A Pizza Oven Today

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#41

Today I Learned That Slow Cooking A Ham Overnight Will Still Burn The Hell Out Of It

Today I Learned That Slow Cooking A Ham Overnight Will Still Burn The Hell Out Of It

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ShyWahine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not to be a boar, just blame it on ham-nesia, you forgot to lower the temp. A shame really - because you worked hard to bring home the bacon...

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#42

In Case You All Are Wondering Why I Didn't Post My Finished Pie

In Case You All Are Wondering Why I Didn't Post My Finished Pie

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#43

My Friend Just Sent Me This Picture Of A Pumpkin Pie She Made For Thanksgiving That Her 3-Year-Old Snuck Into

My Friend Just Sent Me This Picture Of A Pumpkin Pie She Made For Thanksgiving That Her 3-Year-Old Snuck Into

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#44

We Had One Job. Who Likes Paprika?

We Had One Job. Who Likes Paprika?

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Kraneia The Dancing Dryad
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Scoop the middles out into a bowl and stir. Refill the egg halves. Still strong but should be less so and more evenly distributed 👍

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#45

This Is The Turkey I Will Be Having At My In-Law's. It Is Stuffed With Prunes, Wildly Overcooked, And Will Be Accompanied By Frozen Mashed Potatoes. Happy Thanksgiving

This Is The Turkey I Will Be Having At My In-Law's. It Is Stuffed With Prunes, Wildly Overcooked, And Will Be Accompanied By Frozen Mashed Potatoes. Happy Thanksgiving

TrevzorFTW Report

#48

My Thanksgiving Fail

My Thanksgiving Fail

Yesterday was my first time hosting Thanksgiving. I had planned to make cinnamon rolls from scratch for breakfast, which is a ton of work. Anyway, I was running late, and everybody was starving, so I put the pan in the oven when I thought the time was right and waited patiently. I noticed a stringy substance that had formed on top of the rolls. I thought it was the sugar getting gooey or a weird product of the yeast, sugar, and gluten free flour. I took the rolls out of the oven and began to ice them. I touched the side of the pan and felt hardened plastic wrap. It was plastic wrap.

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#49

Imagine You're Expecting Guests To Arrive For Thanksgiving Dinner In 10 Minutes Or So, And This Happens. What Do You Do?

Imagine You're Expecting Guests To Arrive For Thanksgiving Dinner In 10 Minutes Or So, And This Happens. What Do You Do?

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#50

Our Oven Broke Just Before Thanksgiving. I Just Got The Replacement From Our Landlord Today, But Now The Dishwasher Won't Open All The Way

Our Oven Broke Just Before Thanksgiving. I Just Got The Replacement From Our Landlord Today, But Now The Dishwasher Won't Open All The Way

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#51

Well, This Isn't How It Looked In The Magazine

Well, This Isn't How It Looked In The Magazine

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#52

My Wife Is Grocery Shopping For Thanksgiving. There Is Only One Cashier Open

My Wife Is Grocery Shopping For Thanksgiving. There Is Only One Cashier Open

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#53

"Don't Worry, I Got The Cranberries" She Said

"Don't Worry, I Got The Cranberries" She Said

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#54

Gluten Free Dressing May Be A Little Salty This Year

Gluten Free Dressing May Be A Little Salty This Year

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ShyWahine
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not in-salt-ing, we''ll take it as a condiment....hopefully won't be sodium disgusting

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#55

When You're Already Having A Challenging Thanksgiving Because Your Fridge Is Broken, But Then Your Husband Drops The Blackberry Pie That He Spent The Whole Morning Baking It

When You're Already Having A Challenging Thanksgiving Because Your Fridge Is Broken, But Then Your Husband Drops The Blackberry Pie That He Spent The Whole Morning Baking It

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#56

Mother-In-Law's Glass Baking Dish Exploded In The Oven, Getting All Glass In The Thanksgiving Food. Main Dish Was The Only Thing Spared

Mother-In-Law's Glass Baking Dish Exploded In The Oven, Getting All Glass In The Thanksgiving Food. Main Dish Was The Only Thing Spared

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#57

Thanksgiving Fail

Thanksgiving Fail

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Megan Curl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would absolutely use the whole side facing up! It’s the clean up that’s brutal.

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#58

My Grandma Thought She Bought Turkey, But It's A Chicken. Happy Thanksgiving

My Grandma Thought She Bought Turkey, But It's A Chicken. Happy Thanksgiving

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#59

I Started Off My Thanksgiving By Having A 5-Pound Weight Fall On My Head. I Hope Yours Is Better Than Mine. But, Hey, I'm Thankful My Family's Always There To Bandage Me Up

I Started Off My Thanksgiving By Having A 5-Pound Weight Fall On My Head. I Hope Yours Is Better Than Mine. But, Hey, I'm Thankful My Family's Always There To Bandage Me Up

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Stephanie Did It
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a little disturbing to see one's neck larger than their head, especially when the head is swollen!

#60

I Had It So Easy. All I Had To Do Was Let Them Rise And Bake. A Moment Of Silence For Those Beautiful Delicious Rolls

I Had It So Easy. All I Had To Do Was Let Them Rise And Bake. A Moment Of Silence For Those Beautiful Delicious Rolls

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#61

Pecan Pie Fail. That's What I Get For Multitasking

Pecan Pie Fail. That's What I Get For Multitasking

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Megan Curl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You’ve got to use timers people! Set them for 15 minutes before something is to be done, then reset in 5 minute intervals. I’ll have three or four timers going on Thanksgiving. It’s noisy, and I have to remember what they’re for, but it works.

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#62

My Mom Doesn't Understand The Concept Of Halving A Recipe, So She Makes Way Too Much Food For 3 People, And They End Up Getting Thrown Away

My Mom Doesn't Understand The Concept Of Halving A Recipe, So She Makes Way Too Much Food For 3 People, And They End Up Getting Thrown Away

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PandaRave
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thanksgiving leftover ideas are super popular, she has to get into that! Think of the sandwiches!

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#63

Thanksgiving Blooper. There Goes The Deviled Eggs

Thanksgiving Blooper. There Goes The Deviled Eggs

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#64

Happy Thanksgiving. There Was A Power Surge At 1:40 AM. It's Still Out, And I Was Supposed To Be Hosting The Lunch

Happy Thanksgiving. There Was A Power Surge At 1:40 AM. It's Still Out, And I Was Supposed To Be Hosting The Lunch

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Papa
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My parents were hosting the family one Thanksgiving many years ago, and we ran out of propane well before everything was cooked (gas stove). Fortunately my father knew the man that owned the propane company, called him, and he brought some out to us. I guess that's one of the advantages of living in a small community.

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#65

Who Needs A Poundcake Anyway

Who Needs A Poundcake Anyway

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#66

On Tomorrow's Menu Is Pumpkin Failure A La Mode

On Tomorrow's Menu Is Pumpkin Failure A La Mode

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#67

When This Happens To Your Homemade Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Spiced Vanilla Wafer Crust

When This Happens To Your Homemade Goat Cheese Cheesecake With Spiced Vanilla Wafer Crust

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#70

This Thanksgiving Fail

This Thanksgiving Fail

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Megan Curl
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It’s bad when you can’t even guess what it was supposed to be? A brisket? Sweet potatoes?

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#71

Pumpkin Pie Disaster

Pumpkin Pie Disaster

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#72

The Carving Knife I Ordered Weeks Ago To Use At Thanksgiving Arrived A Little Bit Too Late

The Carving Knife I Ordered Weeks Ago To Use At Thanksgiving Arrived A Little Bit Too Late

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George Costanza
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meh. You don't need some specialty knife and fork to carve a turkey. Any chef's knife and fork will do.

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#73

I'm Nailing Thanksgiving. Meringue Gets Me Every Year

I'm Nailing Thanksgiving. Meringue Gets Me Every Year

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