I Suck At Thanksgiving

Thursday was Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Too bad I suck at Thanksgiving.

I sometimes wonder if Native Americans enjoy the holiday as much as Non-Native Americans. After all, if the holiday is about giving thanks (which in and of itself sounds like a great idea), what are the Native Americans thankful for? Are they thankful that their land was taken from them, causing them to live on remote strips of reservation land? Are they thankful that settlers introduced disease and alcoholism? Are they thankful for casinos? I was just curious.

Karen and I celebrated the holiday by spending time with Karen's parents. The holidays for us are usually small as it is generally Karen's parents, my parents, and Karen and I. This year, Thanksgiving was even smaller as my parents were having dinner at my cousin's house. For anyone curious, my cousin (Tiffany) recently purchased a new house in Canton and consequently wanted to host Thanksgiving for my relatives.

Thus, Thanksgiving was a small affair this year. As usual, my in-laws prepared a great meal. I've always been more into the side dishes than the turkey itself. And it turns out, my baby daughter (Briana) may be too. In addition to the sweet potato and the squash, Karen decided to see if Briana would eat some cranberry sauce. Needless to say, Briana devoured the cranberry sauce with reckless abandon. Who knew? I probably should not have been surprised. After all, I too enjoy cranberry sauce.

Anyway, following the delicious meal, all of us headed to the nursing home to spend some time with Karen's grandmother, also known as Nana. And personally speaking, I think that is what the holidays should be about: spending time with family and friends. When my family and friends are no longer among the living (and hopefully are not zombies), I want to look back with no regrets and say that I spent my time wisely with them. But that is just me.

I guess it goes without saying that I am thankful for everyone in my life... past and present.