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If Thanksgiving was a person, she'd be ticked.
I don't know why I assume she'd be a woman. I get the whole Tom Turkey thing.
Perhaps it's the sheer amount of T-Day prep and cleanup work that I rightly or wrongly attribute to being a gal's responsibility that leads me to that conclusion.
Either way, she's a girl in my mind. Please just indulge me.
Not only does her special day get torqued around a bit every year calendar-wise, but in recent times, what was once an officially legit holiday (complete with tons o' food and fun with family and friends) has morphed into an extended work day / night for far too many.
#justsaynotothanksgivingshopping
It goes without saying that she is also constantly being eclipsed by the big guy in the red suit.
Listen, I love Christmas even more than the average bear -- the birthday of Christ is a very big deal, yo.
But I do think glossing right over Thanksgiving is not only a rush-through-life bad move, it's also quite rude to Thanksgiving Day herself and those of us who love her.
Hmpf and so there.
I mean, great grub, football follies and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade alone are enough to earn her her stripes, people. Not to mention the whole commemoration of a prouder moment in our nation's history, one in which we reached a milestone of bridging differences, promoting co-existence and acceptance, and extending kindness to our fellow man.
Nice.
But beyond that, this is the one day of the year when you cannot escape the chance to stop whatever you're doing, think about everything you have to be grateful for and sincerely ponder your good fortune with a note of genuine gratitude.
I mean, heated car seats, inflatable mattresses, mesh wine tote bags, wireless headphones, portable mobile device chargers -- what's not to be thankful for, friends?
But seriously, I know it sounds trite, yet that doesn't make it any less true: There is always something for which to be thankful.
Always.
Sure, at times of despair or tremendous loss or challenge, that statement rings a little hollow. Still, the fact remains.
Even when something very happy ends or stops, there is gratitude that it occurred and we were able to experience it. Conversely, when something sad or troublesome ends or stops, there is gratitude that we could learn from it ... and that it's finally over.
As I reflect on all with which I am blessed this Thanksgiving Day: my son, my husband and our entire family and circle of friends; my jobs; our home; our health; our FAITH ... I can't help but be way, super, incredibly thankful to the Lord above.
I am truly one grateful girl.
Besides, if you think you have nothing to celebrate this Thursday, just remember -- we won't have another presidential election for four whole years.
Happy Thanksgiving, all!
Kimerer is a Tribune Chronicle columnist and very appreciative gal. Contact her via www.patriciakimerer.com