I say Thanksgiving is my favorite, but really the day before Thanksgiving is my favorite because it's so close but I can still look forward to it. As soon as actual Thanksgiving starts, it starts to be over. That's an uncharacteristically bleak outlook for this guy, but it is a very true glimpse into my psyche. All is not lost, though, because even as the holiday wanes, I try and make a point to stay in the moment and enjoy, knowing that the specialness is inherent in the fleetingness. Of course it's helpful that all the other holidays are still to come. I don't get the real blues until January at least.
I'm working all day today, but this is always one of my favorite workdays because I'm in such a good mood and it really colors my interactions with people, even on my drive here. I suppose I could strive to be like this every day. But stuff that in a sock for now, I'm just saying that this is the one day of the year where my balls-out giddiness is all but guaranteed. And today I'm doubly buoyed up from the trivia victory my dad and I handed down last night. How very thankful am I for dads that are fun and awesome moms who are also doting, babysitting-implied grandmothers.
It's truly on, folks, the time that gives me a lump in my throat as I take in all that I have in my life. It's a lot. It's too much. It's humbling in its bounty. I'm not just talking the pie, stuffing, wine and leftovers. Ooh, and latkes this year. But true observance of celebrating family and friends and getting through the tough things in life and Broadway musicals and goldfish and Red Sox World Series victories. I understand that the origins of this holiday are shaky, but I don't care about that. This is what Thanksgiving is to me. And hopefully this guy will get that in his own time.
Happy day-before-Thanksgiving, chums. And Thanksgiving tomorrow. And Chanukah. And, uh, Thursday if that's what it is for you. Safe travels if you're the traveling type, and may you be visited by love and grace and deliciousness.