It has been a wonderful Thanksgiving. I felt glad that I was able to contribute a variety of dishes for this afternoon's meal, as I truly think it's the first time I've actually prepared something for the day. All of the food was delicious but the time together is always the most rewarding thing about the day. The thing I love the most about Thanksgiving is that for once Americans take time off in order to enjoy the basic things that surround us. We attempt to cook from scratch, we say grace over our meal, and we laugh and love and share moments with those that mean the most to us. We don't work, we relax, and we provide for each other. And for once we are content and feel gratitude for the blessings that we have---instead of "needing" more than what we have.
How ironic then that the day AFTER Thanksgiving is the largest shopping day of the year. I will be avoiding the stores this year; something that is not very difficult for me to do. The consumption that occurs on this one day is astounding, especially since most of the items purchased are far from necessary, far from encouraging health in any form, and generally will be cast aside in just another year's time. Just another notch on the belt of America's gluttened desire for more, although most are never going to gain fulfillment from what these items will bring. The saddest reality for me, is imagining what good COULD come if instead this money that is spent on items was invested in human kind and in doing good for others and the planet. While the global economy will benefit tomorrow, will the current economic model ever really benefit humanity in the long term? I think not.
It's too bad Christmas couldn't just be a repetition of Thanksgiving Day (and not the day after)....just extended into a longer season. Although in reality it is....
Today at our Thanksgiving celebration, I did receive two gifts...one was the plastic tote bag constructed via my sister as this was the first time we'd seen each other since it had been finished. The second was one that has become a tradition between my mother and I, and arrived in the form of my annual chocolate advent calendar. To me, Thanksgiving and the advent season go hand in hand in terms of favorite holidays. The advent season has special meaning as it is based in preparation and remembrance of the coming of Christ. Instead of the "normal" holiday season which is based in mindless consumption, advent is about being mindful of the historical reason we even celebrate this "season." To me, advent truly is the extension of Thanksgiving Day as we focus on the great gift given to all of us that reside on this planet. This year, the first Sunday in advent is this Sunday....and that's something else to be be grateful for...
Regardless of your religious or spiritual connotation, I hope you enter into this holiday season with a gracious heart, a peaceful mind, and a joyous soul! The best to you and yours....
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