When I think of Thanksgiving, I think of piling my plate like a mountain of pure delight, and then enjoying every bite. There are certain must haves. One year I went to my friend’s dinner and I noticed there was no cranberry sauce after everything had been set on the buffet table. She announced dinner will be served in 10 minutes. I took that as a cue to run to the closest store and get some cranberry sauce. How can you have Thanksgiving dinner without cranberry sauce? I found a mom and pop store. There was no cranberry relish but they had what had been a staple of my childhood Thanksgiving dinners and that was cans of Ocean spray cranberry sauce. I purchased a few cans and return to the dinner just as everyone was being seated. I might add Ocean Spray did not disappoint and now every year I have both canned and fresh cranberry relish.
This year as I am prepping for my family and friends, I realize how blessed I am. The following thoughts of gratitude floated through my head -- Having family and friends who are coming to my house and the joy that we will all be feasting together. I have a home to welcome others to share Thanksgiving with me. I have the pleasure and honor of cooking. I have a husband and sons who will take charge of the cleanup. (That is no easy feat especially since I am not the neatest chef.) I enjoy having my house filled with conversation, laughter and good spirit. I am in good health! These are just a few thoughts that have to do with how I am feeling about Thanksgiving and not all of the other areas of my life that I am grateful for. What a gift to know that there is so much to appreciate
Reflecting on all that I have experienced since last Thanksgiving gave me the opportunity to appreciate the fullness of my life. I was not aware or appreciative until I took the time to reflect. What revelations surfaced. Hint to all who are reading this. Take some time and review your life since last Thanksgiving. What are you thankful for? What have you taken for granted? Surprising what you uncover and see how much you have manifested.
A dear friend who has had Thanksgiving dinner with me for many years will not be here this year. She flies in from Chicago on Thanksgiving every year, stops at the store to get champagne and walks in the door announcing that Thanksgiving has officially started, pops the cork and begins pouring and then offers a toast. She tried to hold on and told me she would be here but it was time for her departure. I know that her spirit will be with us especially when we open the champagne and announce that the celebration has begun.
However , Thanksgiving is more than earing. It is about sharing and giving thanks for making it to this point in our lives. My 3year old granddaughter provided me with an illustration. Her preschool had a Thanksgiving pageant and feast. For the pageant he cast consisted of Pilgrims and Native Americans including a Chef. My granddaughter was a Pilgrim. The performance ended with a song that they all sang together. The Pilgrims were all in the front line and the Native Americans were lined up behind. My granddaughter stood in the front line with the other Pilgrims. Half way through the song, she turned around and saw all the Native Americans lined up behind. She left her spot in the front and got in line with the Native Americans and took the hand of the Native American on her right and on her left. It was as though she was opposed to the separation and wanted to unite both groups. How at such a young age did she learn the lesson of bridging cultures. Her instincts led her to embrace the Native Americans and show love by holding their hands. The message that we are all together is what she brought. She embraced the spirit of Thanksgiving.
On this Thanksgiving, give love and gratitude. Interesting that the Holiday is about giving thanks and a meal is the centerpiece of our thankfulness.
Thank you to the Native Americans who shared the food of the land with the Pilgrims and hundreds of years later we are still celebrating with turkey, corn, cranberries, and other foods that were introduced to us by the Native Americans
Happy Thanksgiving!