Happy Thanksgiving

So, tomorrow is Thanksgiving Day. One of the few days of the year that is considered a holiday where just about everyone closes their doors for atleast a few hours and many get a long four day weekend intended to spend time with family. One of the few holidays that is NOT BEEN COMMERCIALIZED. Heck, one could say that it might even be overlooked compared to some other holidays.

I am no history buff but I believe what I remembered back from the 4th grade is it had something to do with the pilgrims (plymouth colonists as they were also known) sharing thanks with some of their Indian friends for surviving their long journey to the New World back in 1621. And they had a feast. I also think it became a American Holiday during President's Lincoln's tenure. Although, Franklin Roosevelt tried hard to bring it to the economic forefront and tie it to the all mighty dollar by moving it up a week to allow for more CHRISTMAS shopping... and we do HAVE BLACK FRIDAY, most, however, still hold to the old tradition of just spending time with family and to give thanks. This is where my post is heading.

As a child, I must confess, Christmas was my ALL time favorite holiday. I mean GIFTS baby. We made cookies! And we had a tradition in my house, we had chinese for Christmas Eve dinner, sang christmas carols, watched A Wonderful Life or A Christmas Carol and got to open ONE gift before we went to bed. We always left cookies and milk out for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Christmas morning was always about opening gifts, a excellent breakfast and then to the stockings. It is one tradition in my family, 34 years that is still STRONG and has well, to my recollection never wavered. I still end up at my parents Christmas Eve and wake up where I was brough up Christmas morning with my boys!! Okay, sorry, cause I really hate it when people rush Christmas and we hadn't had Thanksgiving and here I am doing it. Oh well, I digress.

As I have gotten older it hasn't changed... December 25th is still my favorite holiday but Thanksgiving is a close second... maybe even 1A. I mean this is the only holiday where people don't worry about bringing anything but themselves. You are expected to just enjoy yourself, enjoy the company, eat as much as you want and not feel guilty if you fall asleep. And if your like my family, football is on. You don't have to watch it but it's there...

As a youngster we always went to my Nana's and Papa's because that is where everyone gathered. I mean if it was Thanksgiving then you were there, that simple. It was like that until my grandmother passed away. I miss that... don't get me wrong, I still see family and we still have a good time, it's just not the same. This year, it will be just my wife and my boys... well, we might be at my parents but it depends on a few things.

Bottom line. Thanksgiving is a day to just spend time with your family... so everyone enjoy your day off, your family and be glad for all those you are able to share it with.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!!