The Slice: We get it right the second time

This is the biggest day on the leftovers calendar.

But, of course, many of us savor second-day meals all year. Somehow everything just seems to taste better as a rerun.

So here’s my idea for a national restaurant chain that could start here: “Paul’s House o’ Leftovers” — homestyle dining exclusively featuring day-after fare. Our motto: “We made it yesterday, for you to enjoy today.”

“Family Phrases Department: When Sue Windham’s daughter was about 3 or 4, she came home from preschool with an art project, a construction paper Thanksgiving turkey. Written on this bird’s individual tail feathers were various things for which the child was thankful. As it happens, mom merited a feather.

But not long after the turkey of thanks had arrived home, there ensued a parent-child conflict. And when it became clear that the little girl’s mother was not going to give in to her daughter’s demands, the kid strode over to where the art-project turkey was on display. Like an angry military officer ripping the stripes off a soldier being demoted on the spot, the girl yanked away the “Mom” feather.

“You’re off the turkey!” she declared.

And thus began an expression that members of Windham’s family would use over and over through the years to express the fact that one’s status had suddenly plunged.

“Seasonal sampler: So you’re feeling a bit left out of the classic holiday stress scene because no one in your family will argue with you? Well, try trotting out one of the following statements and see if anyone takes the bait.

1. “George Bailey was a coward, afraid to go after his dreams.”

2. “People who bash fruitcake just think it’s fashionable to do so. They haven’t tasted a good one.”

3. “Heavily spiked eggnog is an excellent way to get children to be seen and not heard.”

4. “It’s oxymoronic to speak of tasteful outdoor decorations.”

5. “I have a hunch most people who get worked up about the Real Tree vs. Fake Tree debate don’t even vote in elections.”

6. “Department store Santas are an abomination.”

7. “The only thing wrong with holiday office parties is the guest list.”

8. “The only people who benefit from Christmas cookies are the dentists who do the crowns.”

9. “There are only three decent Christmas carols, and the one we’re listening to isn’t one of them.”

10. “I wish Charlie Brown would have kicked a few butts.”

11. “Did you know that X was actually the Greek symbol for ‘Bonus Buy’?”

12. “If our family wrote an honest Christmas-card letter, recipients would alert the authorities.”

“Today’s Slice question: If you aren’t especially religious, how can you approach this season in a way that makes it meaningful?