By Timothy Long
“When out on the lawn, there arose such a clatter,
I spang from my bed to see what was the matter.”
These words from Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, A Visit from St. Nicholas, almost applied to the situation, but not quite. It was not the night before Christmas; it was Thanksgiving morning. And I was not in bed. I was on a couch in my parent’s rec room. This is where you ended up when you were the youngest child and you came home for the holidays. The fact that you’re 24 years old doesn’t matter at all. You got the couch.
I can still hear my mother on the phone with anyone who was coming to visit, “Oh, it’s fine. You can have the spare bedroom. Timmy can sleep on the couch.”
That statement ruled my childhood. You see, I was not only the youngest sibling. I was the youngest of all the cousins on my father’s side of the family. So, if anyone came to visit, for any occasion, I was condemned to sleep on the couch.
And the clatter was not St. Nicholas. That noise would have been welcomed. It was my two oldest nephews playing “Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots”. Not only was the two-robot battle loud, but the accusations of cheating had begun to fly. Sibling rivalry can be vicious and noisy.
I glanced at my watch. It was eight o’clock in the morning. I had been asleep for approximately four hours. At this point in my life, I looked forward more to Thanksgiving Eve than Thanksgiving Day itself. Thanksgiving Eve was then, and remains today, the biggest bar night of the year. And this one had not been disappointing. It had been a long night of debauchery with cousins and friends. But now I was paying the price.
“You can’t cheat at Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Robots!” I shouted, “It’s impossible!”
This only fueled the fire and the argument escalated.
As I listened, it became clear that this was not a matter of cheating. The game is won by one robot knocking the other one’s head up. The older nephew, Brad, had gotten to the game first and had chosen the blue robot. He knew full well that the red robot had a defective neck, causing its head to pop up much easier. This was a simple matter of knowledge being power. But in Danny’s 11-year-old eyes, Brad had cheated. His only evidence was that Brad was winning, but that was enough.
In the middle of the heated debate concerning the definition of cheating, my father appeared halfway down the stairs.
“Now you boys quiet down, Uncle Tim is trying to sleep!”
He was using a stern half whisper, half yelling voice that might as well be yelling. I then heard my mother.
“What time did Timmy get home?”
“God only knows,” Dad replied.
That was a fairly accurate answer. I really wasn’t sure myself. I decided to get up and join the family. The Macy’s Day Parade was starting soon, and everyone would be up watching it.
Thanksgiving is all about food, family, and giving thanks — and for many of us, that includes a great beer (or two). I perused some older Thanksgiving articles I had written and found a fun Thanksgiving Day schedule featuring craft beer that I had proposed in 2021. I decided to update it and share it this year. So here is a new and improved Thanksgiving Day schedule for you to consider.
Thanksgiving Morning
It’s 11:00 AM — go ahead, you’ve earned it. It’s a holiday, after all. Whether you’ve been preparing the feast since sunrise or simply cheering on the chef, now’s the perfect time to enjoy something light and refreshing.
Reach for a Blue Hen Pilsner from Dogfish Head Brewery in Milton, Delaware. Brewed with Delaware-grown malted barley, this crisp, clean pilsner (4.98% ABV) makes an ideal first beer of the day. Dogfish Head rarely disappoints, and this one is no exception.
Toasting Santa
As the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade wraps up and Santa makes his grand entrance, it’s time for a toast. The kids can raise their milk or juice, but you can raise something a little more festive.
Pour yourself a Great Lakes Christmas Ale from Great Lakes Brewing Co. in Cleveland, OH. This great beer has a malty flavor with honey, ginger, and cinnamon notes. It’s reminiscent of Christmas cookies. You can’t find a better beer to hoist in Santa’s honor! But take care, the ABV is 7.5%.
Football Time
Kickoff is at 12:30 PM. And with games running all day, you’ll need to pace yourself. This holiday is a marathon, not a sprint.
Try an Old Town Lager from Aslin Beer Company in Alexandria, VA. It’s crisp, clean, and easy drinking at just 4% ABV. Another great option is Port City’s Downright Pilsner, a Bohemian-style lager with a smooth malt body and a manageable 4.8% ABV.
Turkey Dinner
When the turkey hits the table, you’ll want a beer that complements the meal without overpowering it. Amber ale is an excellent choice.
High Barbary Amber Lager from Fair Winds Brewing Company in Lorton, VA is a great choice. Its sweet, toasted malt character (5.4% ABV) echoes the caramelized flavors of roasted turkey beautifully.
Thanksgiving is a time to create great memories with family and friends. Although how we celebrate the holiday, and with whom, may change, its purpose does not. My two oldest nephews have families of their own now, complete with teenage daughters to drive them nuts. And Mom and Dad are no longer with us. But the spirit of Thanksgiving Day endures, regardless of when, where, or with whom.
It is important to cherish the great memories with family but also not to cling to them. Because the memories we make this Thanksgiving, although possibly very different, are just as important as the old ones. So, let’s celebrate the day in the way it was intended. By giving thanks for all of the Thanksgiving memories, both old and new. And by enjoying a few good craft beers!
Happy Thanksgiving and Cheers to all of our readers!!
About the Author: Timothy Long is an educator, writer, consultant, and experienced restaurant operator. Email: tlong@belmarinnovations.com. Instagram and Twitter: @wvutimmy. Blog: What is that fly doing in my soup? http://whatflyinmysoup.com
Tim’s Whiskey and Cigar Recommendations
Blade and Bow Bourbon
Yes, I’ve recommended it before, and I’ll do it again without hesitation—Blade and Bow Bourbon is a fall favorite for a reason. The aroma opens with notes of peaches, honey, and hay, while the palate delivers a refined balance of white pepper, vanilla, oak, and spice. Smooth, complex, and endlessly satisfying, this bourbon has earned a permanent place on my shelf—though bottles never seem to last very long. At 91 proof and around $50 per bottle, it’s a perfect Thanksgiving Day companion.
La Aroma De Cuba Connecticut Robusto
I’ve recommended this one before, and for good reason. This is a mild yet flavorful cigar that pairs beautifully with the Blade and Bow bourbon. It opens with smooth, creamy notes of pepper, cashew, and coffee bean. As the smoke develops, the cashew deepens while hints of almond, honey, and melon emerge. The finish remains mellow and velvety, with the melon note lingering softly on the palate. This cigar is an ideal Thanksgiving Day cigar. It’s the perfect reward after spending the night on your parents’ couch. Enjoy.
This cigar, and many other fine cigars, are available at John Crouch Tobacconist at 215 King St. in Old Town Alexandria. Mention this article and get 10% off the purchase of this month’s recommended cigar.