Turkey has been a mainstay on the Thanksgiving Day table for centuries. At one time Benjamin Franklin suggested that the turkey be the national bird instead of the bald eagle. So, turkey has gained quite the measure of importance in American and other societies. Honestly, Tom the Turkey doesn’t really want to be the center of attention – especially at dinner.

Many people are substituting other dishes as the main dish for the Thanksgiving meal. Maybe you are not having the whole family to your house this year and everyone is fending for themselves. If that is the case, then  to fix a fifteen pound turkey with all the trimmings and dessert for less than a handful of people is going to leave you eating leftovers for a very long time.

Increasingly, more people are jumping on the vegetarian bandwagon. For these folks’ Thanksgiving turkey will not be featured on their feast menus. Even though for most people Thanksgiving is just not the same without the gloriously golden brown bird as the focal point of their dinner table, Thanksgiving doesn’t stop because that particular dish is missing. Traditions are created differently for everyone’s lifestyle and beliefs and vegetarians can celebrate the same holiday everyone else does, just minus the turkey.

Health is also a big concern for many of us. More and more people are cutting back on what they eat in exchange for a healthier, longer life. Thanksgiving is one of, if not the biggest eating holiday of the year. In lessening the amounts and types of food they eat, these health conscious people are making other choices for the meal to reflect their improved well being.

What about chicken? A roasted chicken is smaller than a turkey for a more intimate gathering. A small whole chicken can be barbequed or fried, or both, depending on your taste buds. There is less cooking time as well which is always a plus if you ask the cook. You can even prepare the chicken earlier in the day and then warm it up for the full fledged dinner.

Another alternative to turkey is fish. Many fish like salmon are high in omega-3 fatty acids. These substances are good for lowering cholesterol in the body. A main dish of salmon with wild rice and green beans satisfies the palate and does wonders for the body as well. To jazz up that salmon, add a pecan or parmesan crust.

For some, Thanksgiving just would not be the same without turkey. For one reason or another they don’t need or want a big 20 pound turkey. Instead, opt for roasted turkey breast or turkey cutlets. They are quick and easy to cook, and you won’t be a slave to your dishwasher for the next 2 days after dinner is done.

Vegetarians will verify that there doesn’t have to be meat on the table at all. Set the table with a variety of casserole dishes. Rice and broccoli casserole, macaroni and cheese, green bean casserole, and other vegetable dishes can fill you up and keep you from missing the turkey. Some vegetarians create a tofu turkey as their centerpiece as well to help set the “mood” for the occasion.

It is not written in stone that Thanksgiving has to revolve around a turkey. The meaning of the celebration is giving thanks for a good year, good health, and having our friends and family near to celebrate yet another year. The meal allows us to gather to share that good feeling, no matter what items are or aren’t on the table, and reflect on what truly makes us want to give thanks.