Well, that day is upon us two weeks hence. The annual ritual of parades, NFL football games, and gluttony. Many have dealt with leaner tables in recent years, indeed there are those still. Whatever your tradition or station, we here at Midnight and other beasts extend our most sincere wish that you all enjoy your Thanksgiving celebration.
I enjoy a much more modest tradition, now in my later years. Thanksgiving Eve is kicked off with an airing of WKRP in Cincinnati's famed "Turkeys Away" episode. Almost fifty years later and it still reigns as one of the funniest moments in television. This is followed by the film, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, John Hughes' Thanksgiving Opus.
The day of brings a traditional, but simple feast. A table setting for four only and football until I fall asleep, drooling upon myself with reckless abandon. It didn't used to be this way. For most of my adult life, Thanksgiving was an annual Hellscape, navigating the family factions of the moment and placating condescending in-laws. I know that for some this is the norm, and that many may actually embrace this experience. I, for one, do not miss this at all.
I was prompted at one point to pen the following, expressing my deepest thoughts upon the subject. Even though it no longer expresses my own experience, I offer it now, in sympathy to those who still suffer thus...
The harvest feast over
and all the trash hauled away
except for the guests
who decided they'd stay
All the dishes are washed
and the leftovers stored
There's a crew on the couch
looking mightily bored
Well you were invited for dinner
not to be entertained
Some say I should join you
No thanks, I'll abstain
While sharing in misery
makes a fine pastime for some
I'll stay here in my kitchen
with this bottle of rum
I'll get quietly drunk
just sit here and grieve
until that blessed moment
when you all finally leave
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