So it was, some centuries ago, when our founding fathers envisioned a day set aside for family gatherings punctuated by arduous and costly travel, consumption of vast and excessive quantities of food, and great periods of sloth whilst viewing sport on the television.
‘Tis the American Dream, that is.
Who’da thunk that an odd little holiday created ostensibly to celebrate the joint dinner held between pilgrims and the natives of this continent would turn into such a monumental event in our society. It’s the celebration feast to end all celebration feasts. It’s the most traveled holiday of the year. And the Friday following Thanksgiving Day has become the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season, in fact, it’s the day retailers look forward to all year.
We eat turkeys that have been bred to be unnaturally large (yes, I’ve got a 21.5 pounder in the fridge right at this moment for our Friday celebration, so that we can have the best of both worlds and celebrate for two days….No stinking shopping for us, no sir!) The Food Network has been wall-to-wall for over a week with all shows focusing on how to prepare your feast for the big day (Brine! No brine! Fry! Butterfly! And where are the yams?)
The NFL has turned it into a their day, too. Football has become synonymous with Thanksgiving Day.
The economy of this country will grind to a halt for one day, just to catch its breath for an all-out onslaught that follows (in some cases, just minutes after the day ends).
Alas, even the livestock of the nation gets its own recognition.
(Pablo Martinez Monsivais/ AP Photo)
I mean, who the hell thought up that one? I understand lighting the Christmas tree, but pardoning a turkey? What did it do wrong in the first place that got it into such trouble? Was it a violent crime, or just a white-collar embezzlement kinda deal? Or maybe a drug offense or it’s 4th DUI? (And may I just say that this photo op just cracks me up every year! I can just imagine the discussions between the press secretary and the prez…”Sir you need to pardon the turkey now.” “Cheney?” “No, sir. The real turkey. It’s tradition.” “So is pardoning Cheney.”)
Sorry. Just had to answer a few questions from our friends at the CIA. They weren’t amused. Can’t see why.
But isn’t this the most American of holidays? (Obviously…We’re the only ones that celebrate it at this time of year) Okay, but this is exactly what would have happened if we had created Easter, or Christmas, or…or…Now that I think about it, it’s like all other holidays we’ve created. Completely devoid of recognition of the reason we’re celebrating. Like Labor Day or Memorial Day. Or Presidents’ Day. Thanksgiving is a reason for a two day weekend. An excuse to cook a huge meal. A day to look past to get ready for shopping the next morning.
That’s just the cynic in me talking. I find myself doing that more and more as I get old…Is there a gene for being a curmudgeon?
Things are difficult right now. For us and a lot of people. But we’re together as a family, and really, we’re all right. That’s all that really matters. And for that I give thanks. And for you and your families, I give thanks, too. I’ll give thanks to just take time out and think about everyone I care about and love.
I’ll even give thanks for the turkey I have in the fridge right now, because it didn’t get pardoned.