What? It’s November? I know many people can relate to what I am thinking. Thoughts like: summer flew by, it seems like yesterday we were anticipating the colorful tree foliage, etc. Although we are still enjoying the collage of reds, yellow, gold, orange, and a combination of those colors, we are bracing for the cleanup. Our yards and streets are accumulating the bounty of leaves. But November is more than the anticipation of leaf clean up and signaling of winter’s arrival.
There is so much more happening this month. It seems there is a name attached to everyday of the month. Beginning with All Saints Day in November first. According to an article by Lifestyle Reporter for TODAY, Sarah Lemire, there are 21 observances and/or awareness days on November 1st alone. Of course, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving are the two federal holidays for which we are familiar. All other “named days” are a mixture of the serious and the bazaar. For example: Autistic Speaking Day, National Cancer Awareness Day, World Diabetes Day on one end, with: National Baklava Day, Odd Socks Day, Name Your PC Day on the other. I will provide the link to the article at the end.
Veterans Day
On November 11, my husband and I observe Veterans Day in our town. The Amaral-Bailey Post 13 Manchester American Legion holds a service for our troops. An emotional ceremony honoring past and present men and women who serve our country is followed by a collation. I always leave the service with a mixture of a heavy heart and appreciation. My heart breaks when I hear a speech by a veteran who has been in combat. I feel the sting in my eyes just before the unstoppable tears trickle down my cheeks. Whenever young service men and women are in attendance, I am reminded of all the boys and girls serving our country and the ones who have fought-just children really, ugh my heart is saddened. At the same time my heart is overflowing with appreciation and gratitude for their service.
Thanksgiving
Charles with our godson Christopher
In recent years, our Thanksgiving celebration has fluctuated. We either spend it at the home of one of our godchildren or at our home. I cook a turkey every year for us to have, even though we won’t eat it until the next day. We don’t want to miss out on having leftovers, in this case an entire turkey. Of course, the familiar turkey roasting in the oven aroma, which permeates throughout the house, is equally desirable as the leftovers.
Sometime between late morning and early afternoon on Thanksgiving Day, our son and grandson visit us. With gratitude, we share an hour or two together. We spend the time visiting and picking on hors d’oeuvres: tiropitakia, a Greek staple one might say (it is phyllo dough stuffed with cheese), quiche, olive tapenade, crackers, feta cheese. Coffee, juices, and mimosas are also available. Right after Paul Richard and Trey leave to celebrate the holiday with their blended family, we head out to celebrate with the godchild who is hosting.
“Too much food, too many pies, too many desserts — we shouldn’t have had so many hors d’oeuvres.” All of us make the same comments every year! So, after the turkey, the bread stuffing, the meat stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, the green beans, the carrots, the creamed onions, followed by desserts, we discuss what we should eliminate the following year. That is comical because we know nothing will be eliminated. We express our gratitude for the abundance of food and the fellowship we share on this special day.
Thinking back to my childhood, I cannot recall my first Thanksgiving. As an immigrant child, the concept of Thanksgiving was unfamiliar. My parents’ explanation was simple. It is an American holiday to give thanks. I suspect they didn’t know its meaning either. Although the actual origin and meaning are still controversial, my early understanding was that the day gave us the opportunity to be grateful, to gather with loved ones, and to give thanks.
A big thank you to all our veterans and to God for all our blessings.
I wish you a safe and blessed Thanksgiving celebration.
How do you celebrate these holidays? Drop me a line.https://stellanahatis.com/#contact
The link to the articlehttps://www.today.com/life/holidays/november-holidays-and-observances-rcna40506