Whether we celebrate Christmas or not, it's apparent that the Christmas spirit takes over the media as soon we put the jack-o'-lanterns away. This year I would like to put an end to overlooking the important holiday of Thanksgiving. I think we all owe it a little apology.
Dear Thanksgiving,
I am deeply sorry that you are not Christmas. You are placed right in the middle of the two most exciting holidays, Halloween and Christmas, and this results in your lack of appreciation. I’m sorry that you don't have fun costumes to dress up as or presents to be passed out. I am sorry that as soon as November 1 rolls around, Starbucks brings out the winter holiday-themed cups. I am also sorry that Starbucks skips straight from the pumpkin spice latte to peppermint mocha and chestnut praline lattes. I am sorry that there is an obscene amount of Christmas-themed commercials and ads, but not that many are featuring the pilgrims that brought us the greatest holiday, the holiday with the best food, Thanksgiving. I am sorry you don’t have a mascot that comes with an infinite amount of images and stories. I feel for you with the immense lack of Thanksgiving movies. We all know the Halloween and Christmas movies, but when was the last time a classic Thanksgiving movie came out in theaters?
I am sorry you don’t have any songs that make people think of you. Sure, I go around singing “Albuquerque was a turkey,” but unless you were in my kindergarten class, I doubt you have heard it. Also, I'm sorry songs about giving turkeys names make people uncomfortable. No one wants to eat the bird we all just named and formed an attachment to. I would like to apologize on behalf of the vegetarians out there who cannot enjoy the true delicacies of Thanksgiving, the turkey and ham.
Now here is where we have a real problem. I am beyond sorry for Black Friday. As of recently, Black Friday has oozed its materialistic sickness onto Thursday night. Thursday night! That is still Thanksgiving! Instead of enjoying a beautiful home-cooked meal with family and friends, or giving back to some local charity centers, people are lining up outside of Best Buy and Target to get the best deal on that new flat-screen television they just have to have. Nothing makes my blood boil more than the thought of the commercial Americans camping outside of their favorite department store instead of enjoying the holiday that is centered around being grateful for what we already have.
How can Thanksgiving be overlooked when the best episodes of TV are the Thanksgiving ones! Who can forget Monica getting her head stuck in the turkey on “Friends” or George O’Malley’s family shouting “O’Malley” at the top of their lungs with family pride as they kidnapped George for their Thanksgiving traditions in “Grey’s Anatomy." How can we overlook the famous “Slapsgiving” of “How I Met Your Mother”? Thanksgiving is the holiday that brings family and friends together, and these underrated episodes of TV do a great job of highlighting the glory of Thanksgiving.
While some people wake up with butterflies in their stomach on Christmas morning, I wake up with that same excitement every third Thursday in November. Playing football in the street with my dad and brother, helping my mom baste the turkey with the awesome basting brush that is just so much fun to use, and having the grandparents show up awkwardly early, but right on schedule. Thanksgiving might be an overlooked holiday, but its quality shines in my book. So, Thanksgiving, in conclusion, I am sorry you are not Christmas.
With love and admiration,
Your biggest fan
