The War on Thanksgiving

There are a lot of reasons to love Thanksgiving, chief among them the food, family, and fellowship. But think about this: We are a nation of immigrants. All of us is a descendant of an immigrant, even "native" Americans came here from somewhere else. Every nationality on earth, every culture, every language is here. Politics and religion divide us deeply and profoundly. But once a year we get together with our friends and families, fractious though they may be, give thanks to our various gods and hosts, and share a feast.

A few of us may have lasagna or prime rib, but most of us, across the vastness of the nation, across all age groups, across politics and religion, share a menu of turkey with dressing made from bread, the humblest and noblest of foods; potatoes, the most earthy peasant food; cranberries, a bauble sweet and sour like life itself; something green to make Mom happy; and All-American apple pie.

OK, at your house you might skip the cranberries or prefer pumpkin pie, but the thought that so many of us are sharing this feast, this similar menu, this celebration, this unique national cultural touchstone, is enough to make me weep, all the more because food, my great love, is at the center of the action.

Americans share this event not only nationwide, but overseas, to war zones, to expats on the job in Johannesburg or Johannisberg. Americans share this event with our ancestors back in time to 1621, less than a year after the Mayflower dropped British colonists in Plymouth, MA. They left England to seek religious freedom, and they gave thanks for their first harvest by sharing a feast with the Wampanoag tribe. The celebration continued informally until 1863 when President Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

That means the feast we are sharing with friends and family has been shared like this for almost 400 years, far longer a national celebration than Independence Day. The Thanksgiving ceremonial repast makes us all part of an unparalleled time-space continuum. It is truly the most important American holiday.

What I want to know is why is there not a booming outcry by the bloviators about the encroachment of "Black Friday" into Thursday? Why are we letting greedy merchants steal this signal patriotic event from their clerks, stockboys, cashiers, and managers?

Let me make it clear, I have nothing against capitalism and profit. I am a serial entrepreneur. But I do have something against greed. And I do respect family values.

I remember that a few years ago the blowhards started whining about a phony "War on Christmas" because people suggested that wishing "Merry Christmas" to Jews, Moslems, and atheists was impolite and that people with good manners should simply say "Happy Holidays" so all people could be included in the seasonal cheer. There is no War on Christmas. Christmas is doing just fine.

But Thanksgiving crosses all religious boundaries. It is an All-American event. Where is the patriotic outcry about the War on Thanksgiving?

Yes, I know thousands line up for the bargains when the stores open up on Thursday, and that is their decision. But the people who have to stock the shelves, man the cash registers, sweep the floors, and break up the fights in the aisles have no choice in the matter. They either abandon their families on this family day, or risk their jobs.

To me Thanksgiving is every bit as meaningful and profound as the Fourth of July. Yes, the flag is a potent symbol, and I swell with pride as much as the next guy at its sight, but the flag is everywhere from bumperstickers to bandanas. When I sit down for dinner on the fourth Thursday in November and reflect on the fact that I am part of a ritual feast shared by so many for so long, I am deeply and truly awed. More so when I realize that thousands of you are eating my recipes.

And then, as I chew, I wonder, why don't I cook turkey more often? And the answer is clear. Because Thanksgiving and all the fixins are sacred. Let's keep it that way. Let's not go shopping til Friday morning and let's tell the shopkeepers to let their employees spend this special American day with their families and friends.