And not because of the food — which is plentiful and delicious. Families and friends gather to celebrate another year of blessings. They gather around a large table and pass the food around. They smile, and they offer thanks. But as we all gather and celebrate and enjoy our families, friends and food, I offer some thoughts as we enter the end-of-year holiday season.
It is important, is it not, to remember that not everyone is surrounded by large, wonderful families. Some people have problems during the holidays, and some are overcome with great sadness when we remember the loved ones who are not with us. And many people have no one to spend these times with and are besieged by loneliness. So before Thanksgiving arrives, before you make plans to go shopping on Black Friday, and before you party like it's on the day before the holiday, give some thought — a lot of thought — to giving thanks.
Yes, by all means, enjoy the turkey and all the trimmings, the mashed potatoes, the stuffing, the gravy, the cranberry sauce, the cole slaw, the sweet potatoes, the green bean salad, the relish tray and, of course, the pumpkin pie. But remember that Thanksgiving is not just a time for families and friends to gather around the table and stuff their faces. Our house would be packed with lots of "company. I recall my mom working around the clock, making every single item on the table and baking those pies.
And it was all done on a coal-fired stove. She would also arrange the most spectacular relish tray that would be passed around the table until every offering was taken — pickles, radishes, scallions, olives, celery, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers.
It was an awesome feast. The conversation was always intriguing, especially when football was discussed. And it was all done in fun—never any crosswords or arguments—just good old-fashioned ribbing and teasing. Before any food was consumed, we all held hands and prayed — we gave thanks for all that had been bestowed on us. This scene was repeated in just about every home back then, and it was repeated at Christmas, New Year's, and Easter. These gatherings were anticipated, and they were cherished.
