Thoughts on Thanksgiving

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Changes come to us all through our lives. None are so dramatic as those that come with change of location, even change of country.

For so long I had celebrated Christmas in blazing heat, even to the point where 7 am was uncomfortable. Now I have it often in snow with egress hampered by feet of the stuff. At least the Christmas cards of my past showing snow scenes and carolers in scarves make more sense, but backyard cricket after food induced coma is much out of the question.

I am now celebrating my 10th Thanksgiving, a quaint American tradition, focused on family, and Pilgrim exploits, and food. While I might feel odd, and tend to diminish its significance, my wife is American, and for her Thanksgiving is a biggie. She ensures that I am acclimated to its wonders, making sure that her traditions are aired for both of us. More food.

As we are more mature, and our family here is widely.scattered across the continent we will be at home, just ourselves and our pets. By evening there will be a reckoning of who has called and a summary of conversations of the day.

We may well have opted for a "no turkey" Thanksgiving as our diminishing appetites usually ensure that such a bird is still in evidence into the New Year. We could make do with a plump quail or a small pigeon. Notwithstanding, various neighbors have indicated that we will be receiving turkey delivery. More food.

Pies and cakes and pastries, whipped cream, ice cream, green jello (honoring Utah's state food), black eyed peas (Christie's Texan heritage) and gravy have magically appeared. Already the house has taken on the appearance of a fully functioning restaurant - for the two of us. (I have been engaged in working out a food abatement program).

I can give thanks that we have each other, that we have plenty, and that we have more than enough to share. I am pleased to partake in the celebrations and fellowship of this occasion of Thanksgiving.

May all of you in this fine country find your celebrations of Thanksgiving give you wonderful memories and strengthened family ties.

Happy Thanksgiving.


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Recent Comments

18

There's just something about that bird! Very thoughtful post. Thanks for sharing.

Blessings,
Debby

Thank you for sharing your message. Happy Thanksgiving.

I know that it must seem to people from other countries that Thanksgiving is all about the food, food and more food. And that people just get together and eat till bursting. There is more to it than that and it is one of the few American holidays.

I am aware that some of the history we were taught in school was a sort of mythology so I'm not going to argue for the truth of this history but it ties us together. We were taught in school that the first few groups of people who came were so unprepared that they starve and froze and never made it through the first winter.

The Indians took sympathy on them and taught them some farming techniques and working together they made it through, had food stores put aside for the winter and had enough for a fall/harvest festival. Both Indians and pilgrims sat and shared the results of their hard work and a country was born.

There's probably a good chance that none of that happened. But it a good story of people getting together and working together and accepting differences and giving help and accepting help. It is what we all hope our country could be based on. I think on some level we all bring that to our tables.

Almost every home has friends or neighbors, some waif or stray included. And almost every home, no matter what ethnic origin makes effort to make the same 'traditional' meal. It's the only time that everyone is eating the same thing. It puts us on the same page. It might not have the flag-waving feel of the 4th of July, but on this day, we're all Americans.

And despite all the work, the shopping, the family squabbles and football, the holiday is really about giving thanks for what we have. That is a great tradition. More people attend church on this day than on Christmas or Easter and it is NOT a church holy day. People really do take some time out of their day to be thankful and to express that to those around them.

I'm thankful for all of you here at WA! Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanks for your extensive comment. I agree that most countries have pause for similar sentiments of family. For me it used to be Boxing Day (December 26).

Patt,
There is a Documentary done by Kirk Cameron, and I did not realize that there is even a Monument built in Massachussettes declaring what really happened back than. I hope to see it sometime while I am living here in the East. I believe it is called the Mayflower Compact that was written, and the Monument is in Provincetown, Ma. There is also a Founders Monument in Plymouth that is 4 sided and explains a lot of our History.

Happy Thanksgiving to you, too!

Happy Thanksgiving :)

I have spent 38 Thanksgivings here in this great county and food has always seemed plenty full so I under stand your abatement program but this year it is just the wife and I also for dinner and maybe the Mother in law ,if we can dig her out of the snow 8 inches as I write I am and the wife are thankfull for what we have accomplished together and are trying to with WA , we are blessed no doubt, this is the time of life we should be slowing down but why, I always say to the wife Col. SANDERS (Kentucky fried) started his empire at 65 so we have 5 years still.So to ALL HAPPY THANKSGIVING

I pass Col Sanders first shop quite often in Salt Lake City, recalling a start to his empire. My reverie includes thinking that he is no longer here, and look what they've done to the chicken. Forge on.

You're cool man

Happy Thanksgiving to you as well. :)

and you as well all the best

Let us all be thankful for our blessings and share them. Happy Thanksgiving.

Nice comment, but please be careful about comments like this. If I recall correctly, WA rules do not like comments referring to Holidays, Religious things and so on. Just trying to help!
Michael

If I recall, not pushing one's faith as it causes offense. Thanksgiving is a National Holiday that we as Americans participate in to enjoy Family, and be thankful. Hope this clears the air.

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