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Holiday traditions must yield to picky eaters

Every year, millions of people set the table in November as they get ready to eat Thanksgiving dinner. But not everyone likes Thanksgiving food, and some families make some exceptions for their picky eaters.

When picky eaters enter the Thanksgiving scene, changes need to be made to the table. For example, take school counselor Dr. Joe Bazenas.

“Well, I mean, I only like canned cranberry sauce. The stuff that comes out of the can and jiggles! The homemade stuff with the nuts and other stuff just doesn’t taste the same,” said Bazenas.

Some people not only dislike Thanksgiving food, they replace it with other foods. Taylor McConnell completely replaces Thanksgiving with her favorite food-- Mac and Cheese.

“Every Thanksgiving my mom helps me make a big bowl of mac and cheese, and while my family sits and eats their turkey, I just eat my mac and cheese,” said McConnell.

Picky eaters live all around the world, and this syndrome affects them throughout the holiday season. One of the biggest reasons people are picky eaters is because of texture.

According to a study done by the University of San Francisco, “Children can become picky eaters for a number of reasons. ... picky eating habits are more likely to develop when parents punish, bribe or reward their children's eating behaviors.”

Maggie Wyatt has these types of issue during the holidays.

“My all-time least favorite Thanksgiving food is pineapple casserole. The texture—ugh--I absolutely hate it,” said Wyatt.

Chris Barr can relate to this “picky-eater syndrome” during the holiday season.

“I do not like cranberries, you know the little-- you know what I am talking about, and I hate stuffing. It is gross--I don’t know how people eat that.

Having picky eaters at your holiday table might be a drag.

As the holidays go along, be prepared that there will be picky eaters. Don’t be hurt, it’s just some kids don’t like things that other kids like.

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