You know that sacred, unhinged last hour before dinner is served—when time bends, a distant uncle asks if he can “help,” the turkey juices still aren’t running clear (whatever that means), and you’re holding the entire holiday together with butter and a few quiet f-bombs?
This is the precise moment when women over 50 transcend the laws of physics, culinary science, and emotional stability while pretending everything is totally fine.
This Thanksgiving looks a little different for my family. In just over two years, we’ve grown from four to eight, and pulled up to my table will be two baby grandsons—Hal and Troy—who already feel like the greatest gifts of my life.
Fried Chicken Legs With All the Fixings This Year
And guess what? We’re breaking tradition: no turkey this year. We’re serving fried chicken, because turns out none of us actually likes turkey, and we’re done pretending.
I also know the holidays can be hard—whether you’re grieving someone or missing family you can’t be with. I hope you find a hand to hold, a cup of coffee to share, or a quiet moment of rest. Take care of yourself first. Pace yourself. You deserve that.
Enjoy this holiday edition—humor, a recipe, favorites from the archives, and more. We'll be back next Thursday as usual.
With love and gratitude,
DID YOU KNOW ...
A Woman Is the Reason We Celebrate Thanksgiving Every Year
Meet Sarah Josepha Hale—magazine editor, abolitionist, cultural change-maker— who convinced Lincoln to make Thanksgiving a national holiday and shaped American history with her pen and persistence.
After her husband died, Hale refused to disappear into widowhood. She wrote two books, she fought, she edited Godey’s Lady’s Book (the most influential magazine of its time), and used its massive readership to push for change. She championed women’s education, helped found Vassar College, and casually wrote “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
But her most audacious campaign was Thanksgiving. For more than 30 years, she petitioned governors, lawmakers, and finally Abraham Lincoln, insisting a national day of unity and gratitude could help heal a violently divided America. And in 1863, in the middle of the Civil War, Lincoln finally said yes, creating the holiday we know today.
Read her biography to discover the untold true story of Sarah Josepha Hale and how Thanksgiving exists because a woman refused to be quiet, refused to accept no, and believed a table could be more powerful than a battlefield.
FROM MY KITCHEN TO YOURS
Cranberry Salsa: For Women Who Can Handle the Heat
Need a last-minute dish that tastes like you actually planned ahead? Say hello toFresh Cranberry Salsa—a spicy-sweet, seven-ingredient wonder that delivers just enough jalapeño heat to keep everyone awake. It’s bright, addictive, and yes, you’ll eat it by the spoonful before serving it. Zero judgment.
This recipe came from my dear friend Betsy over 20 years ago. Proof that the best recipes are jotted down on a piece of scrap paper and shared between women who know a thing or two about flavor, friendship, and showing up for each other.
Try it. It's spicy, sharp, and impossible to resist—just like us.
The Life Review You Didn’t Know You Needed by Melissa T. Shultz—A beautifully grounded guide to turning your past into wisdom—and shaping the legacy you actually want.
Thank You For Being a Friendby Aileen Weintraub—A love letter to female friendship, shared housing, aging boldly, and the dream of a Mediterranean villa.
Enter for a chance to win a two-night stay at the Stein Eriksen Lodge in Park City, Utah—including a deluxe room and breakfast for two (valued at $3,000). Plus: $500 in travel essentials from Mark & Graham.
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My not-so-guilty pleasure: a curated list of my tried, tested, and loved favorites. Holiday helpers, skincare magic, and a few just trust me gems.
And yes, these are affiliate links. Yes, they help support PROVOKED. And yes, you should absolutely click them. If we’re going to build the next great media brand for women 50+, we might as well have glowing skin and fabulous holiday décor while we do it.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING PIE DEBATE You can only choose one pie for the rest of eternity. What say you? Cast your vote and watch the results update in real time.
