I didn't grow up in an overly ceremonial family, but we had respect for the meanings of the holiday. And even if we didn't celebrate some holidays in the same way as other (I'm thinking Christmas here), we still considered it a sacred time to spend with family and friends. Thanksgiving used to mean something to the population in general, as well. From the time we were little we were taught that the holiday's origin was one based in giving thanks. Growing up and at school, we made Trees of Thanks and enacted the first Thanksgiving meal so that we could appreciate all that we have to be thankful for. But somewhere along the line much of that got lost. It's true, I have quite a few friends on Facebook who've set out to post at least one thing they are thankful for every day this month. But aside from that, what have I heard most about Thanksgiving this year? 
That's right. Shopping.Not that we all don't hear a ridiculous amount about it every Thanksgiving - or any day of the year, for that matter. But this year it seems just completely over the top. It was bad enough a couple years ago when the stores started opening at midnight after Thanksgiving. When that happened I just shook my head. Felt sorry for the workers who would clearly have to cut the festivities short the night before or go unslept. And sorry for the people who felt so driven by the impulse to buy that they are compelled to line up for hours on end to fight crowds of equally bleary-eyed and crazed people for those three Tickle-Me-Elmo's that were on sale.
But now. NOW! The stores have crossed a line in my opinion. I understand that some people have to work on Thanksgiving. I have been that person. People in healthcare, public safety, and transportation have to work. But can't we just leave one day sacred for being thankful for WHAT WE HAVE instead of being so BLOODY FOCUSED on WHAT WE WANT!!
On that note, I am thankful for my family. For as much as our relationship isn't perfect, I am truly blessed to have the Wife. And Mozart. Ahhh, what can I say, that child is the light of my life. Every day. I am thankful for my parents, who live afar, but are still so much a part of our lives. My sister, Globetrotter, who is back in-country and who I don't see nearly enough of, but who will be coming out for Christmas. I am thankful that I have in-laws who aren't any more coo-coo than my own family, and who live close enough to share these holidays with. I am thankful to be employed! Oh yes! I don't have the perfect job, and sometimes I really wish I had another what with workplace politics, but I HAVE A JOB! And I do have a fairly fantastic boss and some really great co-workers. I am thankful that we live in the area that we live in - this little town has nearly everything I could want. And what I can't find hear is just a half an hour away in the next little town that I love. I am thankful that we were finally able to refinance our house and that we were able to get a new car and a new roof! I am thankful that my feet are beginning to feel better and I'll soon be able to be more active. I am thankful for technology - the internet, cell phones, my Kindle, GPS...
The list could go on forever, but I'll stop there. Rather than going around the table, my mom-in-law said a prayer of thanks this year, but I still feel it's important to voice some of what I'm thankful for. We hosted this year. Mom-in-law brought the pies. Dad-in-law funded the turkey. Mme. Child brought individual harvest pot pies. The Wife cleaned the house top to bottom. Mozart brought the cuteness. I did the turkey, stuffing, cranberry relish, sweet potatoes and mashed potatoes. And it was good. In Mme. Child's words, "the best turkey I've ever had," which I take as the highest complement.
All in all, I am thankful.
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