On November 27, 1986, writer and humorist Erma Bombeck wrote: “Thanksgiving is honest and simple and warm and natural…an opportunity to reflect and to be thankful that all of you were…and still are.”
Sadly Erma Bombeck no longer is, at least not on this earth, but she lives on in her writings, and Erma enthusiasts like me have saved more than a couple of articles to reread and enjoy. She knew how to creatively write about what so many folks were feeling. Blending sentimentality with humor, she could nail those emotions we experienced but didn’t know quite how to express. Writing in an era before email and Facebook, we clipped her columns from newspapers and sent them on to loved ones. “That’s us!” we’d write, pleased that others shared similar sentiments.
In that 27-year-old Thanksgiving column, she added, “It’s all very predictable and ordinary, hearing Mother say, ‘You cook for two days, and in twenty minutes, it’s over.’” Except in that time span the generations have changed and we’re now the mothers and grandmothers lamenting over the time it takes to prepare the food. And we’re left wondering how did everything change so quickly? It wasn’t exactly fast, it just seemed so and not only have some traditions changed but so have faces gathered around the table. I think of my own circumstances and it’s been 15 years since my Mother was celebrating Thanksgiving with us, 21 years for my Dad, and now our celebrations include seven grandchildren, all under the age of eight. And I’ll always feel a profound sadness that my parents never met those seven delightful additions to our family.
Change is an absolute in everyone’s life, and while most traditions are treasured, flexibility and adaptability are essentials if we strive to live “successfully.” The word success often conjures up the idea of luxury and affluence. But it really has little to do with income or net worth and more to do with living satisfied, joyful lives even when circumstances present challenges that might find us floundering and distraught.
The busiest, most expensive season of the year is ushered in with a day beautifully designed for counting blessings. Yes, we’ve crowded out the gratitude aspect with football games and shopping, but it’s never too late to realign our priorities and dedicate the day to thankfulness and family and friends.
We can put away the electronic devices and actually sit down and talk to those we’re sharing a meal with and discover all over again, or maybe for the first time, the unique individuals we’re related to or choose as dinner guests. Meal preparations need not require 48 hours, but there is something totally delectable about a made-from-scratch dinner. Company can assist, and kitchens are very conducive to conversation. The bargains will be there on Friday and every day after, even into the New Year. Thanksgiving Day wasn’t designed for shopping.
Whether the meal is traditional with turkey and trimmings, or vegan with soy and veggies, or non-traditional with roast beef, or gluten free or any of the many options that tastefully combine food choices, let’s remember to give thanks for life’s bounty. And be a blessing to others, particularly those sad or suffering. Thanksgiving Day deserves full participation. Celebrate, share and make it memorable!