This is perhaps my very first year of doing absolutely nothing to celebrate Thanksgiving. I didn’t call home and no one from home called me. We didn’t make plans to cook up a storm nor were we invited to any other parties. In fact, most of our friends now are not even American….
While one might think this is sad, I don’t really feel that way. In fact, I’m pretty ambivalent. Recently, my cynical nature has increased and so I find it a relief not to have to fake celebratory emotions. Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m very thankful for a number of things in my life:
*I have a job – it pays well, it’s not too taxing (except that I make it so), it gives great holidays and benefits, etc.
*I have wonderful friends both near and far whom I could not make it without – this includes my BF.
*I have a loving family whom I wish I could see more
*I have pretty good health
*I am generally spoiled in my life which I recognize and wholeheartedly accept! π
So, trust me I am fully aware of my blessings and gifts in my life. However, I don’t feel the need to carry out traditions of turkey and gatherings. I love my turkey, but I can make it anytime I want it. I love gatherings, but I can organize them anytime I want to socialize. Thus, it seems rather forced to have these ‘events’ under the guise of a holiday.
Why can’t we go to the effort and remind each other of our blessings regularly throughout the year? Why does it have to fall on one day or in a season once a year?
Maybe I don’t live up to my own standards and maybe I’m just convincing myself that I don’t care or don’t miss the season and activities. I’m not sure really. However, I know that I don’t really feel sad or lonely. Instead, I’m enjoying the cool sunny weather and breeze that passes over my balcony garden as I work on my dissertation and look forward to my usual weekend activities.
-T π
