So now that we have officially kicked off the holiday season, Black Friday’s gone and Cyber Monday is on the horizon, I am taking this time to reflect on what Thanksgiving was/is all about according to what I see in my mind’s eye, 2018.

As I was making my way to the home of relatives to partake of the ritual Thanksgiving meal, I looked at some and wondered about others of all of the people who had been and were on the road. Those who had gone through the trauma/drama fun/excitement anticipation and expense of making their way to a Thanksgiving table. Some by air, others by car, some by train and others hitching a ride with someone going their way. All of us decidedly and knowingly making it through crowded, congested, confused, and delayed situations. We patiently and with endurance waited in the long lines at the airports, gas stations, trains and bus stations praying and hoping that we didn’t miss our connections. We wandered around and then stood in the grocery store lines ticking off in our minds those essential ingredients needed so we could show off our “signature dish” that had become a staple at our generational feasts. We stayed up late and got up early to assure everything was as it should be in our homes before we left or before our guests arrived.

Then on The Great Day of the Turkey we rushed around, fixed ourselves up real pretty or coolly casual and we laughed, bantered back and forth, and huffed and puffed at those who lagged behind making us late for the festivities. As we prepared to embark on this day we remembered, tried to forget, hoped, indulged in cynical thoughts, smiled, mused, snickered, looked forward to, wished, put thoughts out of our minds brave facing the day and/or just enjoyed being genuinely happy. Some of us created new traditions, welcomed new family members and friends and said good-bye to the passing of those who would and could not be present with us for this year’s celebration. We greeted family and old friends with hugs, smiles, and expressions that let them know we were glad to be in their company and they in ours.

And why did and do we do all of this. Certainly not for a meal…….. even though that is the central theme. And I ain’t knocking no good eating and the memories that hold the scent of fresh rolls rising in the morning, apple pie baking somewhere after the turkey is done, and the overwhelming laughter and trash talking that didn’t even make good sense but was funny as hell as we slammed cards down at the bid whist table. And God forbid if that uncle or aunt got loose in the liquor, ump humph umph.

But we did and do it all because we all want connection. We want to be enveloped in a loving environment. We want to be part of something special and warm and wonderful and sustaining and welcoming. We want to sit at the table where grace is said and meted out. We want to be sated with the deliciousness of genuinely sweet comfort and care. We want to drink up our fill of joy and laughter and friendship and kinship. We crave it, seek and travel for it. The holiday season just gives us permission to do it without offering any real explanation to ourselves or others.

Thanksgiving is more than a festival of food. It’s a state of mind and being. Keep celebrating. Be well and be blessed.