Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thanksgiving Blessings



Poor Thanksgiving...it is the one holiday that doesn't get much press, and quite possibly, that might be the reason why I enjoy it so much. I guess it isn't as marketable as many of the other holidays, because big business can't figure out a way to trick consumers into spending more money on it. For this reason, I think, more and more, it is treated like an afterthought, and as each year passes it is given less recognition than the one before. Halloween costumes and candy are still being discounted along the aisles of every store, when the first Christmas trees are put up for display, leaving little room or time for celebrating Thanksgiving. It is becoming the forgotten holiday; the holiday that never gets any respect.

Most people equate it with a turkey dinner, replete with all its trimmings, but to me, it is about family, and the opportunity to slow down and catch ones breath, while spending time with those we hold most dear. The food is, of course, a tool to achieve that end, and awakening early Thanksgiving morning, as my daughters join me to prepare the day's meal, has become a wonderful time for bonding, and for catching up on all the moments that might otherwise escape us. The hours in the kitchen are relaxed and leisurely; filled with fond memories and laughter, and the feelings of closeness that accompany them. They are the times from which new memories are created...memories that I hope my daughters will share with their own children one day, long after I am gone.

Our Thanksgiving meals are some years shared with my husband’s side of the family, and some years  spent with mine. Other years we have spent the day with just each other, or out delivering meals together to the homebound. Each year though, no matter with whom we share our meal or how we spend our day, it is a sacred time, and a holiday that I will always treasure. It might be, in fact, my favorite holiday of all, because it one of the few that has little to do with how much you spend on the day, but rather, with whom you spend the day.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all…and may your day be spent with those you love.

9 comments:

  1. Another beautiful blog, Amy! It gave me food for thought before my surgery in the morning (full knee replacement lft one). Hugs and thanks again.

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  2. But no Lions game ???? I dont believe it !!!
    Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours

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  3. Well,if it seems longer then than 29 years,that's because you were so lucky to have been with me for 7 years 2 rings,a Roadrunner,and a Audi,oh yeah a Intellavision before we got married!!,i think you did OK!!back then lady!!. Nice Blog girlfriend!!~~ Love D!!!

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  4. you are absolutely right janet. i forgot to give thanks for lions football, as well!!!

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  5. Good Stuff! Happy Holidays!!!

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  6. for years we switched families one year hers one year mine all the holidays we always went somewhere...a few years back i decided WE needed our own tradition and Thanksgiving was it... we stay home and cook and invite...
    this year we are butchering and frying our own bird
    happy turkey day to all

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  7. One of the things I've always liked about Thanksgiving is the parade. I've always been a big fan of all the floats. Another thing is that it is one of the few holidays out there that doesn't have a religious theme attached to it. The kids get perform do plays and pageants without risk of offending anyone or violating a particular groups rights (unless you count the turkeys). There is also a lot of hoopla surrounding "Black Friday" which is actually the biggest shopping day of the year for Americans, or so I am told. However, after going to the local school and watching 3 feet tall Indians share a feast with 3 feet tall Pilgrims, I go home, watch the parade, eat a delicious meal and give thanks for all my family and friends. I don't shop Black Friday or do anything "commercial" except have my turkey. Oh, and now that I live in Canada, I get to do it twice. The Canadian Thanksgiving was 3 weeks ago - boy those Indians and Pilgrims sure did manage to get around...lol Angel Ryan aka "BlackButterfly"

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  8. Hi Amy it's Kathy, Molly's mom, I finally signed up so I'd know when you post a new blog and because you always make me smile or cry! Love your perspectives and the warmth that radiates when your write of family and traditions. So happy you share your heart with all of us. Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy having your "baby" back home for a visit.

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  9. gene, we might end up at your house this thanksgiving! blackbutterfly, i couldn't agree more. i never go shopping on black friday (or any other day if i can help it). ... and they should call it green friday, cause they want you to spend your money! kathy, thank you for becoming a follower, and for your kind words, as well. and d., i guess you have been pretty good to me over the years. i am happy we have each other. thanks for all the comments everybody!

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