Thursday, November 27, 2008

thankful for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday.

it arrived quietly without the morbid anticipation of Halloween and the stark raving lunacy of Christmas' consumerism - it was the calm between the storms of October's Trick or Treat and December's extravaganza of presents and parties.

it was my favorite in spite of the fact that there weren't even many exciting decorating choices. . . cut-out or plaster-cast turkeys, pilgrims, native americans, and various and sundry squash and gourds. nice table cloths and good china had to do their own part in making the day festive.

it was the holiday that had the same menu - give or take a dish - every single pickin' year.

but when my sister, Kristie and i were growing up, we never knew who was going to end up around the table with us eating those traditional foods. i liked that. the guest list was always up for grabs. invites could be handed out the same day even! when my mom found out neighbor's plans had fallen through and they were home pre-heating the oven for TV dinners (they were actually kind of a treat back in the 60's for those of us who had the "June Cleaver" mom edition), she ran over and grabbed them while we set up another card table.

Thanksgiving was meant to be shared. its tradition of family and friends first - sitting down and sharing a meal and one another is what makes it the best holiday of the year.

it's true. . .
Thanksgiving has no fireworks
or almost-dead trees adorned in light and color
or ambassadors of candy and gifts
or TV commercials reminding us to buy, buy, buy. . .

just family and friends and the gratefulness that comes when you realize how blessed you are to have family and friends!

Happy Thanksgiving!

PS we're eating at 2:00. . .

2 comments:

  1. you're either cleaning up by now, or you're all passed out ;) It's 4:14 now....

    ReplyDelete
  2. hey, we're working on the pumpkin pie now and then going back for turkey sandwiches later. . . :)

    ReplyDelete