Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Thoughts on Thanksgiving

With Thanksgiving the day after tomorrow, my readers may be wondering why I haven't been posting more holiday theme recipes. I did post about the Cranberry Chutney that I made and put up in jars in the fridge, but I debated whether to post about what we will be eating. This year we are keeping it extremely simple. The reason is equally simple, the economy. There are debates about what to call this period in our economic history, but whatever you call it, it has been a tough year. I won't bore you with the details of our story,  I will simply say that the recession is very real to us.


Unfortunately, we are buying food that costs more at a time when there is less in the budget, and this year it simply doesn't make sense to spend money that we don't have on an elaborate meal. The cost of a free-range turkey or humanely raised ham can make you wince at the best of times, not to mention all of the side dishes and desserts. All of this got me thinking. Is it still Thanksgiving if the table isn't full? Will it still be a holiday if we don't have the postcard dinner table? Can we manage to have the holiday spirit without the trappings?


This holiday will still be special, because of the other person that will be at the table with me, my Dear Hubby. We have a lot to be grateful for, and I am thinking of all of the other families that are treading water, and wishing them peace and joy this season. When things pick up, we will all look back to say ‘remember when', and I think we will all appreciate things just a little bit more.


The spirit of Thanksgiving can still burn brightly. I have squash on hand from our co-op, along with sweet potatoes, so I know we will have a hearty pizza and probably a pie. I will light a candle, and Hubby will likely make a fire in the fireplace. We'll make some tea, settle in quietly, and call our families to say hello. Wherever you are, I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and warm, that your stomachs and hearts are full, and I wish us all more prosperous times to come. Happy Thanksgiving.

4 comments:

RebeccaMom said...

Wonderful post :) I love your heart ♥ It strikes me that at least half of the people at "the first Thanksgiving" were thankful that they weren't going to starve to death in the next few months. That thought gives me a good perspective on the things for which we are thankful!

Heidi a/k/a Thistle said...

Thank you so much for reading and commenting, RebeccaMom. I debated quite a bit about this post, about whether I should keep up appearances and post like this year was business as usual. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!

Anonymous said...

Absolutely agreed, RebeccaMom. Heidi does have a beautiful heart. I have had the delight of knowing her for the past four years.

As discussed this evening with Heidi, I am elated at the opportunity of having some free time during the next two weeks to try out some of her wonderfully unique twists on food. I have a feeling that she will transform me into a more healthily produce and meat eater.

Cheers to you and your Dear Hubby my wonderful friend.
<3 U
Heather

Heidi a/k/a Thistle said...

I am so lucky to have a friend like you, Heather. No matter what I have tried, you have been there to cheer me on. You have a beautiful, creative heart.I can't wait to have your feedback.

<3 U 2