Thanksgiving Turkey, Black Friday Fun

Thanksgiving

I have never been a fan of Thanksgiving. First of all, most researchers are skeptical of there ever being a 'Feast' bringing the Pilgrims and Native Americans together. It is true that Squanto helped teach the Pilgrims cultivating techniques that saved their colony, yet was there ever a joining of Native American and Pilgrim Mom's and Dad's, youngsters, and babies? Secondly, the white man later took (in unfair trades) the Natives land and spread (not purposefully, generally believed) diseases which decimated 90% of the Indian peoples. Sounds like a fantastic reason to overeat and watch football.

I can hear the critics. "It is a tradition of togetherness and giving thanks." I am in support of both of these things. Yet, dedicating the third Thursday to cooking, eating, and napping does not, for me, signify togetherness or thanksgiving.

Growing up, it was a time for family get-togethers, enjoyable till the age of 12. At this age, I realized my family resented one another and there were reasons tears were shed on the drive home, which did not include thankfulness.

One thing I enjoy to this day, Thanksgiving Parade. I didn't watch but a mere minute of it this Thanksgiving, but for some reason I love the broadcast. Would I ever attend a Thanksgiving Parade? No. Absolutely no. Do I enjoy watching it on TV? Of course.

Although I have gone on with this tirade full of anti-thanksgiving resentment. To which Seth will, after reading this post, say to me, "Why did you write all that?" With a shake of the head he will show his disapproval. I did have an enjoyable break. I made 4, count them, 4 homemade pies. Two pumpkin, one apple, and in memory of my passed Grandma Jean a mincemeat pie. I have to tell you, I love the pie, but do not like the obvious and inevitable question, "Is there meat in it?" If you don't know, google it and you will find out.


Black Friday

Growing up, my Mom (and she will admit this) told me that only crazy people, I mean, really crazy people, shopped on Black Friday. If I wanted to get punched, yelled at, or run through the aisles I should venture out to the stores on the God forsaken day. This is a mental paradigm I have had to analyze and overcome throughout my adulthood.

Shopping = fun
Saving big on name brands = joyous
Black Friday should amount to = Nothing short of a gift from the Heavens

My first experience with the day which my mother shudders, was last year. Seth and I traveled long and far, about 15 minutes, to Target at 7:00 am. I was prepared for the worst. I nearly wore boxing gloves, ear plugs, and jogging shoes. Ok, I did wear my jogging shoes, the paradigms ran deep.

The experience was enjoyable. No one punched me. No one raised their voice to me. And I didn't have to run at all. Everyone I came in contact with seemed very sane. Not to mention, we bought about five thousand DVD's all under $10, most under $5. Five thousand.

After last years emotional and physical break through, I was ready for this years adventure.

I didn't wear running shoes.

We hit Target at 7:00. Purchased games, a wallet, and Simpsons Season 11 for $13.95 (normally $39.95) (sorry to price drop, annoying as it is, I had to list the deal) (I also apologize for the amount of parenthesis in a row, it is distracting to the dialogue of the post) (I'm sorry). Not to mention we waited in no line. No line at all.

JCPennys was next on the list. There we purchased Seth a shirt and straight-legged jeans for an amazing deal (I refrain from stating the actual prices).

Third, Wal-mart. Movies for $2, ah-hem, movies for $2.

Lastly, Payless. Who needs to pay more for a shoe that is comfortable, cute, and cheap?

So, a good experience, two years in a row. I would like to declare something here. This is a big step...Black Friday Shopping is for everyone and anyone....not solely limited to crazies.

Thank you and Happy Holidays.