For the record, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. First and foremost, because it is a holiday that has become about giving thanks for the abundance we have in our lives. At least, I choose to look at it that way.
The second reason is because the rampant consumerism happens the day AFTER, which is actually all in preparation for the ultimate get-lots-of-shit holiday. And to tell the truth, I went shopping today, on the evil Black Friday (the luggage I used to travel to Atlanta had broken, and my mom decided she wanted an iPod), and it wasn’t bad at all. So thank you to all who decided to observe “Buy Nothing Day” – you made finding a parking space soooo much easier.
The third reason I love Thanksgiving is because it is a time to spend with family and friends without some kind of religious affiliation. All in all, it’s kind of a cool quirky holiday built around what’s basically become more like a folk tale than a historical event. But fortunately no genocide was involved as far as I know. Just people in funny hats.
And fourth, Thanksgiving is a wonderful holiday because it is about FOOD. Some would say Thanksgiving is about gluttony, but I think it’s just about sitting down and breaking bread with those you love. It’s about passing a plate of good will and sharing in the abundance that touches our lives. We all bow our heads together and just say, “Thank you.”
At least, that’s how it is for me.
I am thankful for so much in my life. I have been blessed with a family that loves me, and I am surrounded by amazing friends. I have been touched by many amazing experiences in my life and have been given many wonderful opportunities. I have lived largely free of want. In my daily life I often find my heart filled with gratitude, but certainly I feel it on Thanksgiving, as I bask in the warmth of those whom I care for the most, my belly filled with way too much food.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!