Nov
Thanksgiving Day
Here in the USA, today is Thanksgiving. The back story is one of “pilgrims” and “Indians”, but the holiday has evolved into something else. First comes the Thanksgiving Day Parade. Next is a family dinner, with an extended family in attendance. This is followed by watching football on TV and cleaning up.
Holidays were a tough but funny time for me in the bad old days. If I was not working, I was far away. These were not emotionally tough. The tough part was coordinating to get at least a little Thanksgiving dinner somewhere. More often than not, I had a turkey sandwich and the satisfaction of knowing that I was making overtime pay. Satisfaction? You bet! Thanksgiving was good no matter where I was.
Since Audrey and I have been together, Thanksgiving has taken a different turn. There were times we did the cooking, and that had its humorous moments. There were times we ordered a turkey and dinner. Then there were the years we went to the Hofbrau Haus in Atlantic Highlands before it closed. The best of them was the year we picked up everything “to go” at Boston Market. We ate in the “sun room” at Audrey’s parents’ house. There were only four of us, but all told, it was perhaps the best Thanksgiving. This year we are going to Audrey’s cousin’s house.
I have to admit that the holiday hoopla does not mean much to me. The “meaning of the day” is a moot point. So what? To me, the real point is spending time with people whose company I enjoy. In the end, it is that simple. That is what the holidays are really about. Having a formal holiday just adds a little more incentive to get together.
Over the years, I have had various experiences with Thanksgiving and other holidays. Back in the bad old days, I was usually working or away from home. The past 18 years I have been able to celebrate with Audrey. I have always enjoyed this holiday wherever I was. The one thing I take from my varied experiences is something I will share with you.
Enjoy the holiday where you are, with the people around you. If you are among family, fine. If you are at work or with friends or on the road, then enjoy it with the folks who are with you. Maybe your dinner will be a large family thing, or maybe it will be a turkey sandwich in a gin mill. Maybe it will be with family, maybe co-workers, or maybe a few acquaintances. To paraphrase the old song, if you can’t be with the ones you love, love the ones you’re with. Count it for luck that you are able to enjoy it. It is a lot easier to try to enjoy it than to wallow in self-pity. On the other hand, if you are bound and determined to be miserable, then don’t bother with the holiday at all. Just treat it like any other day.
Wherever you are and whatever your circumstances on this holiday, you can make it a masterpiece. You satisfaction is in your hands. Make a decision to be happy and to enjoy the company of those who are with you. A pleasant holiday will be assured when you opt for joy.
I am going to have another good Thanksgiving today. I wish you all the same.
