HAPPY THANKSGIVING 2023
Tomorrow marks yet another early Thanksgiving. I’m never prepared for it to happen so soon in November, but I’ve finally realized that it’s okay. After all, early Thanksgivings give us more time before Christmas, which is always a bonus.
This message is so nice, I’m saying it twice!
Mr. X and I went to a festive holiday event this past week-end, (which was a season-of-giving miracle unto itself,) and on the way home, I lamented that we had not come upon any houses that were decorated for Christmas, to which he (grumpily, wisely, exasperatedly, snarkily, shrewdly, correctly—you figure it out) pointed-out that it wasn’t even Thanksgiving yet! So I guess that I’ve already had enough time since Halloween to get into the holiday spirit. I’m actually ahead of the game.
My main message this year is that in these hard times, (on so many levels,) try really hard to not dwell on the negatives. Despite all of the horrific conditions in the world, there’s always something to be grateful for.
In case you can’t make it out, these leaves spell-out “Give Thanks.”
Even though I absolutely adore all of my social and business activities, (which are basically both the same thing, in my case, knock on wood,) and, in keeping with the theme of this week, I am always absolutely grateful for them, you will never guess what I’m about to declare. And that is—this week is my favorite of the season. Actually, perhaps of the whole year! That’s because, with so many people out of town for the holiday, there are few commitments to deal with, for any of us. There are no theatre openings, no business soirees, no publicity events, and therefore, no reviews to write! So I get to basically just relax.
Well, not necessarily relax in the proper meaning of the concept, but my own versions of it: sleep/nap when I want to, finally chat on the phone, (which, believe it or not, I rarely do,) catch-ups with friends in person, and finally have some time to clean up some of the messes I’ve made in my house! None of that may be actually relaxing, per se, but, with no time pressure, I love it—all of it!
And mainly, Mr. X and I will finally have time to begin our five-season end-of-year tradition, which is watching inane holiday movies on regular TV! Believe it or not, he’s the one who suggested it to begin with! I just went along with it to be nice, and now I’m way more into the gooniness than he is! I keep a list, (so that we don’t accidentally waste spend our time in seeing any again,) and rate each one when we’re done. Only ones that are somehow about a dog, it seems, get top marks.
A fun Thanksgiving Day dessert.
All of that is after our annual Thanksgiving Day dinner with our great and kind friends, Fred Dani and Jim Crystal, from Back on the Beach. I’m always grateful that we have such an easy, comfortable, and delicious way to spend the day.
So, for all of us, no matter how we spend tomorrow, (or the rest of this five-day week-end,) please keep in mind the real purpose of Thanksgiving, and spend some time having gratitude for whatever even tiny bit of good fortune you’ve experienced this year.
And from me to all of you, (for whom I’m always eternally grateful,) I wish everyone a beautiful and very Happy Thanksgiving!
