My daddy's turkey from when he was a boy.
As a nation, we will gather tomorrow at tables throughout this land to remember things for which to be thankful. As someone who has lived in outside the US, I know that those living abroad will set time aside for a gathering and a dinner and also give thanks. We gather as family: biological or acquired. When we gather, thoughts will turn to those who used to gather with us year after year. We will recall those who used to make the stuffing or carve the bird. Sometimes the loss feels so great. Sometimes it is hard for us to handle. Sometimes we might wish that all these feasts would just go away. Maybe this year we might take time, slow down, and reflect on those whom we miss. This year maybe we can find creative ways to include them at the table and be thankful for their presence in our lives.
Thanksgiving is a gateway to all the other winter festivals we celebrate for ethnic or religious reasons. The party atmosphere is about to ramp up. Lights on houses and holiday music in stores are about to explode. In many cases, the evidence of the major winter feasts are around us now, but after Thanksgiving, things become more and more holiday fixated. I like lights on houses and the music, but in the middle of grief these things can irritate in so many ways. We can’t make the world change for us, but we can change things in our home and how we look at the world. If your grief is great, get help. If you know someone who has lost someone this year, ask them what they need. Offer them a seat at your table if they are alone. Most of all be gentle and kind. Most people will let you know what they need if you ask. Many are grateful you have noticed and are taking time to help. We are entering into a time of year where people feel alienated more than other times of the year. Take the time to look around and see what you can do for those who may be feeling a bit lost this year.
Thanksgiving is a gateway to all the other winter festivals we celebrate for ethnic or religious reasons. The party atmosphere is about to ramp up. Lights on houses and holiday music in stores are about to explode. In many cases, the evidence of the major winter feasts are around us now, but after Thanksgiving, things become more and more holiday fixated. I like lights on houses and the music, but in the middle of grief these things can irritate in so many ways. We can’t make the world change for us, but we can change things in our home and how we look at the world. If your grief is great, get help. If you know someone who has lost someone this year, ask them what they need. Offer them a seat at your table if they are alone. Most of all be gentle and kind. Most people will let you know what they need if you ask. Many are grateful you have noticed and are taking time to help. We are entering into a time of year where people feel alienated more than other times of the year. Take the time to look around and see what you can do for those who may be feeling a bit lost this year.
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