Thanksgiving...?

[Spem in alium]

You guys are all amazing. This helped so much

Today one of my profs asked me privately what I was doing for Thanksgiving. He's been really kind to me, and it sort of seemed like he was going to ask me if I needed a place to go and celebrate. That would have been fun, but I feel very lucky to be celebrating with a family. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens next Thursday

[quote name='Papist' timestamp='1352995342' post='2510560']
Yes. Flowers would be excellent.
[/quote]

I love flowers. I am planning to go to the mall on Wednesday, so perhaps I'll find something there.

[quote name='Winchester' timestamp='1352995995' post='2510567']
Fashion a meat dish into the shape of a slaughtered Indian, and explain in solemn tones that ultimately, what we should be thankful for is the defeat of the savages who populated the land destined to become the United States.

Maybe dress like a Pilgrim.
[/quote]

That sounds very tasteful. To go along with the tasty meat dish.

[quote name='Basilisa Marie' timestamp='1352996109' post='2510569']
To save you time on research:

Thanksgiving's the day we celebrate the day the first Pilgrims had a three-day-long feast with the Native Americans to give thanks for making it through the first winter in the "New World" where a bunch of people died. The Natives taught the Pilgrims how to grow crops and hunt and such, and are basically the reason why the Pilgrims survived. Nevermind that we actually started by raiding their corn, the first Natives who communicated with the Pilgrims were former English slaves, and we would later go on to slaughter them. It's history is a little mixed. Today we celebrate Thanksgiving as a day to get together with family and friends, eat a feast of traditional "Thanksgiving" foods, and give thanks to God for all of the blessings in our lives. I hope you like Turkey.

I'd go with flowers, or a box of candies. Flowers are probably easier to find.

ETA: Don't dress like a pilgrim. A nice clean shirt would do.
[/quote]

Thanks for that! I had basically no idea about what Thanksgiving was - that really cleared it up. I do like turkey

[quote name='Lil Red' timestamp='1353009943' post='2510709']
mystic monk coffee.
[/quote]

Coffee is great too. A lot of people round here seem to like it very much. I'll look for that particular blend

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1353013902' post='2510754']
Most families eat turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, some sort of cranberry dish, a few different types of vegetables, breads, and maybe soup or salad. Dessert almost always includes a pumpkin pie or pumpkin roll, which is like a cake with cream cheese filling. Cookies and other pies are common, too. They might also have things to snack on -- crackers and cheese, etc -- while you wait for dinner to be ready.

Today, most American families use the day to gather around with family to celebrate that they all got through another year and to reflect on the good things that occurred in the past year. Some families will say a prayer or go around and have each person say a few things they're thankful for, but not everyone does that.

There's probably going to be football on TV, or a parade. It's the official start of the Christmas season here. LOTS of shopping goes down on Friday -- almost every store has big sales. But it's chaos to go out and do that, as people will camp out the night before, waiting for the doors to open.

It's a really fun, no-stress day. Just enjoy the meal and relax afterward.
[/quote]

Thanks, Missy It sounds like a fantastic holiday. I'm all up for eating and relaxing The international student office is organising a trip to a mall in the city on the Friday...a trip that lasts ALL DAY. I also heard that the Friday after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday". Sounds pretty ominous...!

[Nihil Obstat]

What the floop, guys. Thanksgiving was weeks ago now.

[Lil Red]

mystic monk coffee isn't a blend, it's coffee made by the Carmelite monks of Wyoming. sorry i wasn't clearer here's their link: http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/store/storefront.php

[AnneLine]

Also, sometimes parishes have special Thanksgiving celebrations; my current parish has only one Mass on Thanksgiving, so if you want to go to Mass... you go to that one.

One parish I attended had the custom of asking everyone bring food items for the poor - some people brought BAGS and BAGS and BAGS of groceries... others just tucked a few items into the bag closest to them. I think it is a beautiful custom.... especially because those things then went to make Christmas baskets for the poor. Just a beautiful way to end the year.....

Personal custom has been to start a list on Thanksgiving day of ALL the things that I have experienced during the last year -- what seem to me to be good AND the ones that are more neutral or even bad -- and to turn them into kind of a thanksgiving litany. By the end of the Church Year on Christ the King... I realize better just how much I have to be greatful to the King....

[homeschoolmom]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' timestamp='1353016780' post='2510793']
What the floop, guys. Thanksgiving was weeks ago now.
[/quote]

[MissyP89]

[quote name='Spem in alium' timestamp='1353016461' post='2510789']
Thanks, Missy It sounds like a fantastic holiday. I'm all up for eating and relaxing The international student office is organising a trip to a mall in the city on the Friday...a trip that lasts ALL DAY. I also heard that the Friday after Thanksgiving is called "Black Friday". Sounds pretty ominous...!
[/quote]

It's called Black Friday because in economics, to be "in the red" is to be in debt or losing money, and to be "in the black" is to be making a profit. The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days thanks to Christmas coming, so they offer sales to make the most of it.

Do be careful when you shop. People can be ruthless and crazy on Black Friday, especially if you're trying to buy the last of some popular gift. All in all though it's a great opportunity to tackle your Christmas shopping, especially if you're with a group of people you like.

Make sure you come back and tell us how the week went for you!

[Spem in alium]

[quote name='Nihil Obstat' timestamp='1353016780' post='2510793']
What the floop, guys. Thanksgiving was weeks ago now.
[/quote]



[quote name='Lil Red' timestamp='1353016856' post='2510795']
mystic monk coffee isn't a blend, it's coffee made by the Carmelite monks of Wyoming. sorry i wasn't clearer here's their link: [url="http://www.mysticmonkcoffee.com/store/storefront.php"]http://www.mysticmon.../storefront.php[/url]
[/quote]

No worries, my bad. Thanks for the link; they sound amesome. I'm not sure if anything I order will be able to get here before Thursday, but I'll definitely make a note of buying some for my host family for Christmas. I know they like coffee, and these particular coffees look brilliant

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1353018749' post='2510823']
Also, sometimes parishes have special Thanksgiving celebrations; my current parish has only one Mass on Thanksgiving, so if you want to go to Mass... you go to that one.

One parish I attended had the custom of asking everyone bring food items for the poor - some people brought BAGS and BAGS and BAGS of groceries... others just tucked a few items into the bag closest to them. I think it is a beautiful custom.... especially because those things then went to make Christmas baskets for the poor. Just a beautiful way to end the year.....

Personal custom has been to start a list on Thanksgiving day of ALL the things that I have experienced during the last year -- what seem to me to be good AND the ones that are more neutral or even bad -- and to turn them into kind of a thanksgiving litany. By the end of the Church Year on Christ the King... I realize better just how much I have to be greatful to the King....
[/quote]

Those are such great ideas. I think giving food is lovely, and your own personal custom sounds beautiful too. Thanks for sharing

[quote name='MissyP89' timestamp='1353021253' post='2510855']
It's called Black Friday because in economics, to be "in the red" is to be in debt or losing money, and to be "in the black" is to be making a profit. The day after Thanksgiving is one of the biggest shopping days thanks to Christmas coming, so they offer sales to make the most of it.

Do be careful when you shop. People can be ruthless and crazy on Black Friday, especially if you're trying to buy the last of some popular gift. All in all though it's a great opportunity to tackle your Christmas shopping, especially if you're with a group of people you like.

Make sure you come back and tell us how the week went for you!
[/quote]

Ah, I see I have never particularly liked shopping, not even when it's with people I like. I know that spending a whole day in a huge mall filled with crazy shoppers will be physically and emotionally taxing on me. But the Christmas presents won't buy themselves, unfortunately.

Will do!

[AnneLine]

[quote name='Spem in alium' timestamp='1353027681' post='2510918']

Ah, I see I have never particularly liked shopping, not even when it's with people I like. I know that spending a whole day in a huge mall filled with crazy shoppers will be physically and emotionally taxing on me. But the Christmas presents won't buy themselves, unfortunately.

Will do!
[/quote]



Oh, Spem, your fellow-introvert is with you -- ON LINE SHOPPING was made for us... I personally tend to follow the 'do not buy anything on Black Friday' end of the discussion -- sometimes I'll get somethign to eat or drink (sadly, usually just coffee!) But I really hate the commercialization of Christmas and hate the image that you picked up before it was explained to you 'black Friday'... I get it, but come on....

Anyway a few years ago the 'family' decided that ALL of us would go to a gigantic sports store up outside of Reno. (We were converging from many areas to join family in the Reno area.... theoretically a magnificent dinner (and my SIL "is" a wonderful cook!) was suposed to make up for 10 hours in a frozen car going over mountains in a blizzard (road was closed a few times...) BUT, ya know, you do what you need to do to gather the family! So, the herd of 'AnneLines' headed off to the giant sports mall. Well, it was exactly as described -- artificial lmountain in the middle of the store with stuffed mountain animals.... about 20 rides for the kids INSIDE the store.... every kind of hunting/fishing/wintersports/you name it they had it/ item in FULL and abundant glory. Hey -- AnneLine was even able to explore her mental phantasy of a wet suit so she can use the unheated swimming complex during the winter (didn't do it....)


BUT THE NOISE!!! and the PEOPLE!!! Introvert HELLLL!!!!!!

Finally decided I was a lot happier pacing in the frozen area in front of the store waiting for the others. I think I did about 6 or 7 miles waiting for them -- but there was AIR and no PEOPLE...!!!!!

On the other hand -- Thanksgiving meal is MADE for introverts - we just pair off with another introvert, and we are set for the night! You'll do fine!!!!

[MissScripture]

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1353033116' post='2511025']

On the other hand -- Thanksgiving meal is MADE for introverts - we just pair off with another introvert, and we are set for the night! You'll do fine!!!!
[/quote]
I don't think you even need to worry about finding another introvert, with everyone so busy stuffing their faces.

[AnneLine]

Good point, Miss Scripture!!! It's the holiday that TURNS everyone into introverts!!! num num num!

Edited November 16, 2012 by AnneLine

[MissScripture]

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1353041071' post='2511113']
Good point, Miss Scripture!!! It's the holiday that TURNS everyone into introverts!!! num num num!


[/quote]
Check your PMs

[Spem in alium]

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1353033116' post='2511025']
Oh, Spem, your fellow-introvert is with you -- ON LINE SHOPPING was made for us... I personally tend to follow the 'do not buy anything on Black Friday' end of the discussion -- sometimes I'll get somethign to eat or drink (sadly, usually just coffee!) But I really hate the commercialization of Christmas and hate the image that you picked up before it was explained to you 'black Friday'... I get it, but come on....

Anyway a few years ago the 'family' decided that ALL of us would go to a gigantic sports store up outside of Reno. (We were converging from many areas to join family in the Reno area.... theoretically a magnificent dinner (and my SIL "is" a wonderful cook!) was suposed to make up for 10 hours in a frozen car going over mountains in a blizzard (road was closed a few times...) BUT, ya know, you do what you need to do to gather the family! So, the herd of 'AnneLines' headed off to the giant sports mall. Well, it was exactly as described -- artificial lmountain in the middle of the store with stuffed mountain animals.... about 20 rides for the kids INSIDE the store.... every kind of hunting/fishing/wintersports/you name it they had it/ item in FULL and abundant glory. Hey -- AnneLine was even able to explore her mental phantasy of a wet suit so she can use the unheated swimming complex during the winter (didn't do it....)


BUT THE NOISE!!! and the PEOPLE!!! Introvert HELLLL!!!!!!

Finally decided I was a lot happier pacing in the frozen area in front of the store waiting for the others. I think I did about 6 or 7 miles waiting for them -- but there was AIR and no PEOPLE...!!!!!

On the other hand -- Thanksgiving meal is MADE for introverts - we just pair off with another introvert, and we are set for the night! You'll do fine!!!!
[/quote]

Aw, I probably would have paced too I might try online shopping. I've done it a few times (though never for Christmas) and it's seemed to work pretty well in the past. I usually make gifts for people, but that may be kind of difficult this year.

[quote name='MissScripture' timestamp='1353037690' post='2511082']
I don't think you even need to worry about finding another introvert, with everyone so busy stuffing their faces.
[/quote]

[quote name='AnneLine' timestamp='1353041071' post='2511113']
Good point, Miss Scripture!!! It's the holiday that TURNS everyone into introverts!!! num num num!
[/quote]

Haha! Very much looking forward to that, then. I don't really like being made to talk and socialise (I prefer listening to others talk), so it will be nice to just take things at my own pace.

Edited November 16, 2012 by Spem in alium

[homeschoolmom]

I would not say that Thanksgiving is always a holiday for introverts. Given my preference, HSdad and I would just stay home with our kids. But no.

Don't make the mistake of thinking that introverts are shy or quiet or not "people" people. I'm an introvert. I'm not shy. I don't mind talking in front of large groups. I don't mind making small talk with complete strangers. I'm not a wall-flower. However, those things drain me like crazy. I need downtime to recover from large gatherings. So, even if I were to come home from Thanksgiving late and tired, I would still need "me time" to recharge before being able to go to bed.

[AnneLine]

Totally agreed, HSMom. I am an introvert too!!!! (I dread giant family gatherings!)

I totally need my re-charge time. And often would prefer to stay home rather than go out for things, even though I like people, am good with them, and people enjoy being around me.....

But... the easiest way to handle something like a big family gathering is to pair off with another introvert if it is just too noisy & crazy... kind of an emergency recharge supply. I find the pairing not AS draining.

(and in case people didn't understand my last comment to Spem, I meant that if everyone has their forks in their mouths (nom nom nom) there just won't BE as much talking!

(Just don't add a trip to a giant sports store with all the happy extroverts the next day if you can avoid it!)

Edited November 16, 2012 by AnneLine

[sixpence]

I must be a weird introvert.... I don't mind shopping or being in a crowdy area...just as long as I don't have to TALK to the people, it's cool. I still prob won't go out on Black Friday....too annyoing.