Tomorrow, here in the States, it’s Thanksgiving Day!

When I was a kid, Thanksgiving break was The Best. We had a four day weekend – the first of the school year – and it was full of family, fun, food, friends, and frolicking about.

As a kid with few responsibilities and lots of older sisters to do dishes, there was never any pressure. Aside from a few chores here and there, we “little guys” in the family could pretty much do what we wanted. We usually watched the Thanksgiving Day Parade in the morning, and then we played. Eventually, we showed up for dinner. And we played some more.

It was very uncomplicated.

It wasn’t until my first year in college, away from home for the first time, that I understood, really, what Thanksgiving is about.

I was really homesick. And while I was pining away in my misery early Thanksgiving morning, I had a moment of very sharp clarity, with the sudden realization of how grateful I was for my family – my mom and dad, my sisters and brother, nieces and nephews. All the people I was missing so sorely!

I thought to myself, “You know, you should be thankful that you have all that to be thankful for.”

In my 18-year-old-wise-head, I pondered the profundity of that thought for about, oh, 10 seconds, before I returned to wallowing in my self pity.

In fact, I had a great weekend when I look back on it. I learned so much! There were many Firsts for me that weekend.

I was invited to my friend’s family farm here in Kansas. There, for the first time in my life, I encountered my dinner walking about obliviously in the barnyard. Later, I helped pluck it. That was the first time I really understood the whole farm-to-table relationship. And it was the first (and last) time I ever plucked a turkey.

It was also the first time I baked an apple pie. It was a disaster! But I did it.

It was the first time I went ice skating as an adult. We skated a lot as kids before we moved to Florida, but it wasn’t until college in Kansas that I skated as an adult. It was so much fun!

And it was the first time I saw the Plaza in Kansas City lit up for Christmas. The lavishness of the lights and the decorations – it was magical! And it was wonderful to share that with good friends who are still, to this day, my good friends.

I still love Thanksgiving weekend. I love gathering with my family and friends. I love the homeyness of all of it!

Now, though, I realize better what Thanksgiving is about. It’s about taking time to be conscientiously grateful for all things in life – for every blessing, great and small. I think it’s good that we have a holiday called “Thanksgiving” to drive the point home.

And you are a part of Thanksgiving for me. I’m ever grateful for our little community here around Needle ‘n Thread. Thank you for being a part of my life, for your enthusiasm, your inspiration, your creativity!

I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving, wherever you are!

Coming Up

On Friday, I’ll have a beautiful give-away for you, to kick off the season. We’ll also have a little quiet sale in my shop. No hype – just a little opportunity to save a bit.

On Monday, due to an adjustment in programming, we will have the next installment of our Christmas Tree ornament stitch-along that began last week.

I’ve got a few other give-aways between now and Christmas for you, so those will be popping up here and there.

And, of course, lots of other little bits and bobs!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend!