Never Too Early

It’s November and even though it’s only the first week, I think it’s never too early to start thinking about Thanksgiving. Not only the meal itself but the feeling it all brings.

Now, Jae and I have not always had the best of Thanksgiving holidays but I think I have a theory about the typical (or maybe stereotypical) dysfunctional get-togethers that has prompted us to come up with some very successful ways of celebrating.

Here’s what I think…When you’re visiting your family for a holiday, they’re likely to treat you and each other in the same way they dealt with you when you all lived together – which, for most of us is back before we left home for college and the great outside world – but they have that 17-18-19 year old you in their heads. Which of us is the same person we were when we were that age??

This theory brought us to an idea. Back when we lived in Chicago we decided that we were going to start a new tradition. The “Potluck Supper For Homeless Waifs”, a Thanksgiving feast for all of our friends (and new friends) who couldn’t get home to their families, whose families didn’t want them home, or who didn’t feel comfortable in their families’ homes.

Each person would bring their best dish to the party and I would make two turkeys (one regular roasted bird and one smoked – YUM) and we would have a party. No, not just a party…a PARTY!!

 The best part of this tradition is that, instead of fielding the usual embarrassing questions from aunt Marge about why you’re not married yet or dealing with all the family mishegas (grab your Yiddish/English dictionary) that can make a trip home so difficult, everyone – get this – WANTED to be there. Don’t get me wrong. There were family members at some of these gatherings too. I’m not against families, mine or anyone else's. We, none of us, had to be responsible for getting an entire meal on the table so it was always a relaxing, fun, wine besotted, laugh till you cry, never want to leave time.

So, just a little unsolicited advice from me to all….um…seven of you and anyone you pass it on to. Try to make this holiday a truly thankful one. One way to do that is to give yourself the gift of doing what you want to do with the people in your life with whom you want to share the time. I guarantee it will be one of the best experiences of your lives.

Think about it.