October extends into November. Joy. Gratitude. Peace. Praise.
You know I have rules about Thanksgiving. The primary and unshakeable rule is, no Christmas music or decorations until the day AFTER Thanksgiving. And on a day like today, with a deep blue October sky in the middle of November, and the golden leaves gilding the yard, how could you possibly by thinking ahead to holly jolly red and green, instead of luxuriating in the ochres, golds, burnt sienas, and warm burgundies of autumn?
The pumpkins and gourds are still on display, and the door hangings of colorful corn are still in place. A day like this can’t be submersed in the commercial chaos of Christmas (or Hanukkah) hype. If you’re lucky enough to have deep October blue skies halfway through November, as I am today, step outside and soak in the glory – the slanted backlighting of the trees, the golden carpet of leaves on the lawn, the sweet chill that’s just right for a cup of tea by the bonfire — sic transit gloria! Don’t skip ahead! Christmas is always better when preceded by a truly glorious and grateful Thanksgiving.
My local grocery is going to be closed the day before Thanksgiving, to give their employees a chance to enjoy the holiday with their families. Good for them. Just remind me to get the shopping done on Tuesday, the 21st!
I have fallen short of my gratitude goals in the past, but today, I’m filled with thankfulness, and confident the Great Creator hears me and knows I mean it when I send out my thoughts of appreciation and awe for a day like today: a walk in a forest preserve followed by a sit outside in the backyard, looking back up at my house under an impossibly blue October sky in November, and feeling lucky, and blessed.
Wishing you a moist turkey with crispy skin, creamy mashed potatoes, and a really delicious autumn squash casserole not to mention a tasty Beaujolais Nouveau just eleven days from now, I remain,
Your autumn-loving, Thanksgiving-rule-abiding, grateful-and-and-looking-forward-to-a-day-of-cooking-way-too-much-food-for-just-Angelic-Daughter-and-me-but-hey,-leftovers,
Ridiculouswoman
A day set aside just for gratitude- imagine that. I cannot think of anything more needed right now for those of us able to celebrate a feast of food in fellowship with others. We may not have sown, grown, and harvested our own food as a hands-on reminder for giving thanks, but it isn’t that hard as you say, to be grateful for the beautiful autumn weather or the many gifts that are so easy to take for granted. We don’t need daily news reminders of the suffering of others to be grateful. Just the fact we are alive could be a good place to start.
Today is the start of Dewali, a Hindu celebration of light over darkness. Me, I like to think of Halloween as the start of lighting candles for the whole season of every culture and religion to lighting lights as the sun approaches the solstice. I enjoy honoring each one as it comes. Thanksgiving candles on the table in gratitude for light, deserves it own time and place, for sure.
Thanks, Judy. I find comfort in gratitude. Hope you do too. And Happy Diwali to our Hindu brothers and Sisters!
I don’t like it when they rush the seasons, either. Enjoy each one to the fullest. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your Angelic Daughter.
Thanks, Earl!
Hoping you and your daughter have a wonderful Thanksgiving!