I am Thanksgiving, but it seems I have become a ghost holiday so I come to speak my mind. Becoming an afterthought is painful as I look back on the months I spent during the year trying to make an appearance. I fit right between Halloween’s sugar rush and Christmas’s festivities; however, I am not a speed bump on the way to merry and bright. I have my own traditions just like every other holiday. I am the holiday of gratitude, family and great servings of food. What other day of the year gives you an excuse to watch football and fall into a food coma? I am the holiday that brings people together as a reminder to be thankful for everything, but why are people not thankful for Thanksgiving? I am the middle child of holidays, constantly overshadowed by my flashier siblings like Halloween and Christmas. I understand Halloween’s appeal but after the spiderwebs and skeletons go down, Santa lights and Mariah Carey should not immediately follow suit. The turkey only gets one moment to shine before people start decking the halls? Celebrate me. Relish the mashed potatoes, bake the pie and stuff the turkey. Attend the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade with its floats, balloons and marching band. There should not be Christmas music playing in the background. That is almost like showing up to a wedding in a white dress as a guest. I am the bride.
Do not put me on the naughty list, but Christmas has its own month or even longer for some. Santa Claus and his elves take over before I can even get a word in. I would like a shot at the front porch decor too, you know. Christmas truly is a magical holiday and I might even be a tiny bit jealous. However, instead of gearing up for Black Friday deals, is it not important to reflect on the good in your life? Enjoy the fall weather before hunkering down for snow and negative temperatures. Appreciate the fact that you do not have to untangle any Christmas lights from last year. Enjoy me before the out-of-tune carols and credit card bills fill the air. I really am not asking for much. No need to rush onto the next holiday when I am right here.
So this year, I would like to request more love and respect. I promise I am worth it. Please do not forget about me again, Thanksgiving, your one true November holiday.
