Thanksgiving is hand's down, my favorite holiday of the year. I think I even like it better than my birthday, which is really saying something. So here's why:
1. There is nothing you have to do on Thanksgiving, other than share a meal. There are no religious ceremonies or gift giving. You can say a prayer before eating or watch a parade or play football if you want, but you can also take a nap! It's all good.
2. It's inclusive. Anyone who is in America (or outside of America for that matter) can celebrate this holiday if they want to. It's not about race or religion or nationality, in fact, it's about welcoming and helping those who are newcomers and celebrating the harvest.
3. It's about comfort food. I hear a lot of people complaining about traditional Thanksgiving food, they say turkey is boring, pumpkin pie is heavy and stodgy. To them I say, it's comfort food, not fine dining. Get over it. Besides, this holiday is about sharing a meal with friends and family, what you eat is secondary. Go out for Chinese food if you prefer, that is, if you can find a Chinese restaurant that's open.
4. It's two blessed days off. For most people anyway. That is reason enough to be thankful.
5. Leftovers!
Happy Thanksgiving!
A few favorite past Thanksgiving posts from the archives:
How Thanksgiving became a national holiday
Brussels sprouts with brown butter and hazelnuts recipe
Cranberry coffeecake recipe
Curried Butternut Squash Soup recipe
Pilgrim onion marmalade recipe
Turkey drumsticks braised in cranberry sauce recipe
