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Tuesday, November 21, 2023
Gratitude & Solitude
Either by circumstance, or by choice, sometimes people spend Thanksgiving alone. Not everyone loves huge gatherings, often with people you don't see much the rest of the year. Annoying cousins, nosy aunts, and farting grandfathers. Sometimes, a little solitude can be something to be grateful for.
Since my parents are no longer here, I no longer spend Thanksgiving with family. I have invites from my siblings, but I've been going to my friends home the last few years. It's a small group, and one that fully understands when I duck out about 8pm, and head home. There's that brief window when the tryptophan has kicked in for the adults, and just the sugar from the pumpkin pie has kicked in for my fiend's three kids.
Just like Christmas though, it can be hard for some to be alone when so many are gathering with friends and family. It can also be an opportunity if you can get your head around it. Buy a small chicken or order out. Get a bottle of wine, or your favorite drink if alcohol isn't your thing. Plan on watching a good movie, and ensure you have a good book on hand.
Just remember two things...
You can pull your own damned wishbone...
And...
Not everyone attending those large, noisy gatherings... is having that much fun.
TR Pics: The Cozy Season
'Autumn is no time to lie alone'
The Tale of Genji
Although winter doesn't officially start for a month, Thanksgiving weekend has become the unofficial start of the cozy season. The season when for many of us, it's cold, windy and snowy, and dark before 5pm. Thanksgiving marks the start of decorating our homes, and preparing for many enjoyable evenings, curled up on the couch. Watching a movie, or binging a television show. Doing some work, or reading a good book, or just snuggling and transferring heat, with another warm body.
It's also a time to ditch those light and bright summer clothes, and slide into, and then out of, more comfortable autumn and winter attire. Pinks, blues and yellows are replaced by oranges, browns and greys. Time to unpack that silk throw to snuggle under on the couch, to pull out your flannel, your corduroy and your terry cloth robe.
As Jessie demonstrates in this series of images from TR Pics, getting comfy for the winter months, doesn't have to mean you can't still show a little, or a lot of skin. Jessie models the hottest in cozy season attire, from ditching his light summer robe, to a warmer winter one, picking up his favorite blue coach blanket, then sliding on, then slipping off, his favorite pair of sweat pants.
Of course no cozy season wardrobe is complete without at least one or two warm and comfortable sweaters. As you can see, Jesse's modeling his sweaters sitting by a fireplace in the den. He needed the sweater when he ventured outside to get a bit of kindling for the fire from out behind the shed. Now Jessie usually only gets chest chilly, below the waist, the temperature's always on the rise. I'm quite sure his neighbour's don't object too strongly, to his wardrobe choices when out in the backyard.
But of course, there's another way to handle the cozy season, and the winter chill, without having to spend much time or money on new clothes. You can always just close and wind proof your windows, keep a fire going, or turn up the heat, and wear nothing but your birthday suit, all year long. For Aunt Mildred's sake though, I would recommend wearing at least your cozy sweater to the family Thanksgiving dinner.
Saki: Go Big Or Gourd Home!
'Thanksgiving is a holiday all about giving thanks, showing gratitude, spending time and sharing food with family and friends. We l have all the etiquette you need to set the table, turn down the guest room or talk politics without ruining the meal.'
Emily Post
Author and socialite Emily Post was famous for her writing about etiquette. I'm not sure though, her tips would really apply to Saki and his Thanksgiving celebration. They especially don't connect, with Saki's table setting choices.
When it comes to the holiday in general, Emily Post recommends guests arrive on time and bring something to contribute to the meal. Those are fine, we can get on board with Emily on those. I'd be bringing my bread stuffing, it's always been a hit whenever I make it. I don't use any sausage or meat in it, it's just bread, vegies and spices. I think the magic comes from the summer savory and my home made turkey stock.
Post also advices guests to stick to safe subjects, and put their phone away when seated at the table. I'm not big on either of those, but can get on board, at least for the meal portion of the day. Post goes on to advise guests to dress up a bit, pushing your wardrobe up a notch for the holiday. This is where I and Emily diverge in opinion. If you're a guest at Saki's Thanksgiving feast, you know clothes are only for the card ride there. Once inside, the only dressing required is the mouth watering summer savory version I previously mentioned.
When it comes to the table it itself, Post has a long list of almost 20 setting elements for the table, including almost a dozen forms of cutlery. We don't need 12 pieces of cutlery, especially separate knifes and forks for our fish course and salads.
We really don't need forks at all. Although there will be some poking, it won't be with a toothed utensil... well at least I don't think so. Oyster fork however, might come in handy. The only utensil I see us really using might be a wooden spoon. Sometimes, a little tenderizing, (spanking) might be in order if the meat is tough and hard.
As far as table decor goes, no need to waste money on buying anything. The only gourds required are the two that below to Saki, and they'll be splayed in the middle of the table along with his corn stalk and husk. Saves both money, and the need for any dessert. So, thanks Emily Post, but as far as Thanksgiving etiquette goes, I think we'll stick to our own.
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