Thursday, November 24, 2005

American Thanksgiving

Today is American Thanksgiving. It is probably THE one holiday that is unique to the US. And it is arguably the one major holiday that has not become commercial. Don't get me started on the ridiculous shopping frenzy the day after.

It is the Thanksgivings of my childhood that always seemed so special. Especially those with my mother's side of the family. I enjoy my father's side, but let me explain. My mother was third oldest of eight siblings. So the youngest is only 8 years older than myself. It made for an energetic family reunion of young twenty-somethings that as a young kid I aspired to be. There wasn't the heightened emotions of getting presents. It was kicking back, having a great meal, watching some football, and enjoying everyone's company. Maybe even stepping outside and throwing the ball around.

Oddly enough, the office I work for here holds a cocktail party to entertain clients on the same day so I get to celebrate a bit. So far I have missed five Thanksgivings: two in France, one in Lexington, Kentucky (big mistake), two here and counting...

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

It is my favorite American holiday, food, family, food, football and food!!!
It is sometimes interesting how holidays like Thanksgiving create an atmosphere for family confrontations especially as the night wears on and folks start imbibing in the local beverages.
I recall some of the in-laws Thanksgivings where brothers started to revisit conflicts of their youth sometimes wind up with brothers not talking to each other for some time.
But, all in all, it is a great tradition I just wish I could have all of my own family together for the celebration. We all have so much to ge thanksful for and it's good to reflect on our good fortune.