It's now mid-November, so obviously Thanksgiving is coming; it always does. And while I appreciate the time off work and understand the historical context (however skewed it's become over the centuries), I gotta say; the food frankly bores me.

And I don't think I'm alone on this.

Maybe it's because you're a vegetarian; maybe it's because of that sleepy, lethargic feeling it evokes; or maybe you just find the gobbler a little gross. Whatever the reason, there are those among us for which a traditional Thanksgiving dinner leaves us wanting.

That said, there is hope. There's no reason we should shake things up this eating season and think outside the bird. After all, not all historians even agree that the Pilgrims feasted on turkey at the first Thanksgiving in 1621. Then in 1784 Ben Franklin suggested, in a letter to his daughter, the turkey replace the bald eagle as the country's symbol:

"I am on this account not displeased that the Figure is not known as a Bald Eagle, but looks more like a Turkey. For the Truth the Turkey is in Comparison a much more respectable Bird, and withal a true original Native of America ... He is besides, though a little vain and silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on."

Would you eat an eagle?

Regardless, if you feel like turkey is a tired tradition, here are some alternatives.

1. Whole, roasted salmon
2. An all-Thai Thanksgiving (why not?)
3. The famous Tofurky
4. Slow roasted Pekin duck
5. Beef stuffed acorn squash
6. Hearty winter vegetable burger
7. Vegan loaf