Quote of the Day: Sharing food with another human being is an intimate act that should not be indulged in lightly. ― M.F.K. Fisher
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is the most neglected holiday, unfortunately. As soon as the Halloween treats are handed out, people start putting up Christmas decorations and playing carols. Why aren’t there any Thanksgiving carols? Well, I do know a few songs about giving thanks, but they are not anywhere near as popular as “Jingle Bells.” What’s great about Thanksgiving is that it is a holiday where the menu is pretty much set, with a little room for variation. It’s about gathering together, sharing a meal, playing games. There’s no pressure to buy/bring the right present. The weather is usually good. Although, it can get slippery and snow here in Minnesota, but the snow generally makes it all the cozier. I love watching movies with my boys, and most of all, I love it when they’re all home and sitting around the table together.
Thanksgiving, 2014
For many years, post divorce, when my boys were still young, I’d spend the whole Thanksgiving weekend with my parents at their farm. Those traditions, food, and family gave me such joy and comfort. Sometimes, we’d go there over our school MEA break in October and my sister Nancy, mom, and I would make lefse together. We had all the traditional foods on Thanksgiving, plus the Norwegian treat lefse, and mom’s escalloped corn. Even today, the boys think about going there for Thanksgiving. We will be home for this holiday because my big boy (college student) works at one of the big box stores that feels they need to be open at 6:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving. It’s only an hour away from our house, and over three hours to grandma’s house, so he needs to eat with us here, then go back there to work. Also, unfortunately, the Biker Chef has to work today, too, because they’re doing a big buffet at his work. So, we’re prepping together, planning together, juggling work schedules, and eating (for the most part) together. Either way, this mama feels thankful for the health and happiness of my boys, a special person in my life, my sister who will stop over, the friends and family who won’t be sitting down with us, but will be eating their own lefse, turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, in their homes, and maybe passing the phone around when the far away relatives call.
Lefse, a Scandinavian potato “tortilla” fried and loaded with butter and sugar. mmm. mmm.
I have made a lot of mistakes falling in love, and regretted most of them, but never the potatoes that went with them. ― Nora Ephron
Happy Thanksgiving to you all, no matter where you live, even if you aren’t celebrating Thanksgiving. Take some time this weekend to connect with friends and family, share a meal if you can, and focus on how we can help each other live a safer, healthier, happier life in this chaotic world.
If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart. — Cesar Chavez
Go. Create. Inspire!
Journaling Prompt: List 10 things you’re thankful for. And, if you want, share one of them here.
I love the quotes you found about food and food sharing, Mary. Have a lovely Thanksgiving!
Thanks, Roxane. Happy Thanksgiving to you!
I love Thanksgiving for the family togetherness and the sharing of food, as you mention. I love all family holidays, but Thanksgiving is definitely at the top of the list. The Scandinavian ‘tortilla’ looks absolutely delicious. Happy belated Thanksgiving, Mary.
Happy Thanksgiving to you, Silvia. Thanks for stopping by! I hope you had a lovely dinner/time with your loved ones.