Some people take great satisfaction in creating a whole spread with all the fixings during the holidays. Then there are those whod prefer to have Thanksgiving entirely by can. You don’t have to make the entire Thanksgiving meal from scratch—you can still enjoy a traditional meal by simply tossing everything together, mixing it up, and adding some seasoning. Imagine, instead, a single can containing all your Thanksgiving favorites. You pop it open and pour out the full feast onto your plate. To most people with a working palate, this is not an appetizing alternative to a full-course, solid meal.
We’re pleased to inform you that there isn’t one, unless you count wet dog food available on Amazon. That actually makes a lot of sense, texture-wise. If you were a serious gamer in the UK in 2013 and participated in any kind of online gaming community, you might have actually witnessed a post about Thanksgiving go viral. Even though this questionable product was labeled “Christmas Tinner,” one could just as well eat it on Thanksgiving. Holiday dinners in the United States tend to feature many of the same easy holiday recipes. In 2013, a prominent video game retailer in the UK introduced Christmas Tinner, targeting the “lazy gamer” demographic. It turns out that the purple can, which has become a meme over the years, is entirely fake.
The Thanksgiving holiday evokes images of a bountiful table laden with traditional dishes like roasted turkey mashed potatoes stuffing, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie. While many families take pride in preparing these dishes from scratch, others might prefer a more convenient option. Enter the “Thanksgiving dinner in a can,” a mythical culinary creation that has sparked curiosity and amusement over the years.
But is a Thanksgiving dinner in a can a real thing? The answer is a resounding no While the idea of a single can containing all the Thanksgiving staples might seem appealing to those seeking a shortcut, it remains firmly in the realm of internet folklore
The Origins of the Thanksgiving in a Can Myth
The Thanksgiving in a can myth can be traced back to a viral marketing campaign launched in 2013 by Game, a UK-based video game retailer. They announced the launch of a “Christmas Tinner,” a can supposedly containing a complete Thanksgiving dinner, including turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, and cranberry sauce The announcement went viral, with news outlets and social media platforms buzzing with the possibility of such a convenient Thanksgiving solution
However, the Christmas Tinner was never a real product. It was a clever marketing ploy designed to generate buzz and attract attention to Game. The website claimed the cans were perpetually sold out, further fueling the intrigue.
The Resurfacing of the Myth and Its Debunking
The Christmas Tinner resurfaced online year after year as a meme, with many believing it to be a genuine product. In 2019, Game even announced the can’s comeback, offering vegan options to cater to dietary preferences. This reignited media attention and speculation.
However, a YouTube video by the channel Did You Know Gaming delved deep into the history of the Christmas Tinner and ultimately debunked its existence. The video revealed that the can’s contents were actually a satirical art piece created by the same individual who made an egg the most-liked photo on Instagram.
Why the Thanksgiving in a Can Myth Persists
The Thanksgiving in a can myth continues to persist for several reasons:
- The allure of convenience: The idea of having a complete Thanksgiving dinner readily available in a can is undoubtedly appealing to those who are short on time or culinary skills.
- The power of social media: The viral nature of the Christmas Tinner announcement, along with its repeated resurfacing online, has kept the myth alive.
- The human tendency for storytelling: The Thanksgiving in a can has become a humorous anecdote, often shared and embellished over the years, further perpetuating the myth.
While the Thanksgiving in a can might be a tempting shortcut, it remains a culinary fantasy. The reality of Thanksgiving dinner involves the preparation of various dishes, each with its own unique flavors and textures. While convenience has its place, the true essence of Thanksgiving lies in the tradition, the gathering of loved ones, and the enjoyment of a delicious, home-cooked meal. So, ditch the can and embrace the joy of preparing a Thanksgiving feast from scratch – it’s an experience that will create lasting memories and warm your heart.
Christmas Tinner Review / Christmas dinner in a can
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