Top 5 Reasons Why I Love Thanksgiving
- Wednesday Night Before Thanksgiving: There is something so alluring about going out the night before Thanksgiving to catch up with new friends and old friends to enjoy a few Pendleton cocktails. In fact, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving has the highest bar sales in America, even more than New Year’s Eve – Cheers!!!
- The Feast: All of my favorite foods on one table, in one night? Heaven! The amount of food that is consumed on Thanksgiving is borderline embarrassing, but I have no shame when it comes to grabbing a second (or third) plateful of the traditional fixings. Stretchy pants and chunky sweaters are the acceptable attire on this day as it helps hide your blossoming food belly. It also helps to tell yourself that you will start a diet the next day…after you finish the Thanksgiving leftovers.
- Pie – Yes, I understand pie technically falls under the category of “food”, but this majestic, sugar-laden food deserves its own recognition. In fact, this dessert is so grandiose that there are well over one hundred varieties and even has its own American Pie Council. Words cannot describe the excitement and pure bliss that is created from consuming slice after slice on Thanksgiving Day. Pumpkin pie, chocolate cream pie, apple pie, pecan pie? Yes please! Sign me up for all of the above with extra whipped cream!
- Giving Thanks: Thanksgiving is a special occasion as we dedicate an entire day to express our gratitude and to give thanks for all of the blessings and love in our lives. It is also a charitable holiday as it encourages random acts of kindness and to help others less fortunate. I find the following quote to be exemplary of this particular holiday:
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy
- My family: I am extremely fortunate to have such a magnificent family and am thankful to be able to spend Thanksgiving together. The holiday brings endless laughter and love with my near and dear which makes Thanksgiving my favorite day of the year. This year we had the pleasure of traveling to Colorado Springs, Colorado to celebrate with my Dad’s side of the family. Thanksgiving was spectacular as we had gorgeous weather, delicious food in a beautiful setting, and the best company. One of the more prominent moments from this day would be allowing our 15 year old Cocker Spaniel to sit at the dinner table with us so she too can enjoy the joyous occasion (I must point out that she has impeccable manners). Needless to say, Thanksgiving 2014 was extraordinary filled with the finest memories!
May all your holidays be filled with the blessings, love, and happiness!
Jackie
