Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the Holiday Frenzy for most people.
And I admit to being a part of that -- I get all fired up, clean the house, have a party, buy and make gifts for the folks I love. But this year, if feels a bit like the world around me is more focused on the impending Black Friday consumer frenzy than on the original reasons for any of these holidays. Makes me a bit sad.
On this day, Thanksgiving Day in America, I like to focus on the many things I have to be thankful for. Things is rarely the right word, though, since so much of what I'm thankful for is embodied in the people in my life.
This year, Thanksgiving is more than just a day of thanks around the country. It's more, at least in our house, than a feast day. It's also Golf Pro's birthday. Thus, a double feast day. We celebrated by having a standard issue Thanksgiving Feast for four. ... That's what Golf Pro wanted, so that's what we did. Turkey, fresh green beans, crescent rolls, sweet potatoes (this year, mashed with ginger), regular mashed potatoes, and Waldorf salad. Followed by cards and gifts for GolfPro (which included a golf club that he's been coveting for ages).
As for me, among the things I'm most thankful for right now is this:
That, my friends, is the postprandial kitchen. Yes ... it's true. Today, this kitchen was cleaned, turned out a delicious dinner, and has been CLEANED already. Back on the stove, you see the wee blue flame under the pot in which the turkey carcass is simmering. In the left-side sink, you see the pans air drying. But otherwise, the food has been put away, the dishes are done, and the kitchen is clean.
This may never happen again so swiftly after the meal. Perhaps we were inspired by the knowledge that soon, we'll wander over to our friends' home for PIE and company.
Tomorrow, I will not shop. I will knit, and hang with my family, and swing by the library with a sack full of books that are due. I will join other friends for more food and camaraderie. I will remember to be thankful. I might even decorate a bit for Yule/Solstice/Christmas/Eid/Chanukah/Kwanzaa/Winter Holidays. But I will spend no money. When I do shop, I'll focus on buying local first. (Well, except for possibly having to purchase these cargo sweatpants for GolfPro for his holiday gift).
Comments