Day 281
I am surrounded by turkeys.
Not actual birds and I’m not referring (directly) to my neighbors, either. However, I am still surrounded by turkeys nonetheless.
My neighbors to the south and north both have those giant inflatable turkeys in their front yards.
I am not understanding this.
And maybe it’s because I hail from Pilgrim stock. Yes, seriously … my ancestors were Mayflower passengers.
And maybe because of my lineage and the possibility that it’s something in my DNA rather just than a personal aversion to those inflatable things, I don’t understand the need to put up a giant air-filled turkey in one’s yard.
Isn’t being thankful enough?
Is this holiday not commercial enough for some people? (And don’t even get me started on the football side of things.)
As history states the Mayflower set sail on September 6, 1620 with 102 passengers and about 30 crew members. The first half of the voyage was said to be “smooth sailing” but the remaining trip met with ravaging winds, terrible storms and high seas. After 2750 miles and going at a top speed of under 2 mph the 100 foot Mayflower anchored in Cape Cod at what is now Provincetown Harbor on November 11, 1620. (Exactly 392 years ago today!)
Though the voyage was long and at times very rough there were only two deaths during the sailing – a young boy and a crew member. Sadly, half of the group would die within months (from what was thought to be) pneumonia, tuberculosis and scurvy while living aboard the anchored ship where they sought shelter that first winter.
The following spring the remaining 53 passengers and 15 crew disembarked, made huts, began complex relationships with the Native tribes of the area, and planted the soil.
Months later – after a year of disease, hunger, uncertainty and diminishing hopes – their bountiful harvest was cause for celebration to give thanks. And so, with 90 some men of the Wampanoag tribe they held a three-day feast of gratitude and celebration.
In any case – I don’t need to sail rough seas for two months or face incredible hardships to know that one can and should count their blessings – large and small.
And for that reason I just don’t get the plastic turkeys. And part of me doesn’t want to get them.
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday because there is no fan-fare. No commercialism. No toys. No decorations – sans a few turkey images on plates and napkins. There has been no music piped into the stores since August with chipmunks singing songs about turkeys and pilgrims.
It’s just a nice – let’s get together and remember that life is scary and difficult at times but worth pursuing and let’s give thanks for family and friends who make the journey better and let’s celebrate together and share what we are grateful for in our daily lives – kind of holiday.
It’s nice. It’s sweet. And the only kind of turkey I want to see is one with stuffing in it on the dining room table … not an inflatable one in my neighbor’s yard.