The Pilgrims made seven times more graves than huts. No Americans have been more impoverished than these who, nevertheless, set aside a day of thanksgiving. ~H.U. Westermayer
We need a real Thanksgiving
More now than ever before
With families ’round the table
Instead of at the store.
We need a real Thanksgiving
More feast and family gladness
More charity and good will
Less Black Friday madness.
We need a real Thanksgiving
With football and post-meal naps
Fewer sales and frenzied shopping
More hot cocoa and night caps.
We need a real Thanksgiving
A full day without bad news.
No phone, TV, or Internet,
Nothing to give us the blues.
We need a real Thanksgiving
Who’s with me on this thought?
A day of peace and gratitude
And celebrating as we ought.
Note: Happy Thanksgiving to one and all! My son Domer is home to help me prepare the feast and yes, we’ll probably do a bit of shopping … after the holiday! I’ll catch up with you all in a few days.
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
WONDERFUL post, Debbie! And yes….I am definitely with you on this thought.
“A day of peace and gratitude
And celebrating as we ought.”
Amen!
So MUCH of what you expressed in this post is exactly what I’ve been thinking and feeling lately. With all the negative news in the world, this Thanksgiving feels extra special because it has forced me to focus on all the things that are “right” with this world instead of what’s “wrong” – and also it has allowed me to remember the MANY things I have to grateful for.
Thank you so much for posting this today. And thank you so much for being such a loyal and supportive friend over these many years of blogging. You are greatly appreciated.
Wishing you, Domer, and Dallas a HAPPY THANKSGIVING!
X
Thanks so much, Ron. I’m glad I’m not the only one feeling this way! We’ve had a steady barrage of bad news, most of which I try to tune out because it’s just so depressing. But thinking about all the Pilgrims had to endure in the early days of our nation’s history sort of brings things into perspective.
I’m grateful for your friendship, too, and I wish you a most delicious, peaceful Thanksgiving! Oh, and if you have to work, I wish you happy shoppers instead of the bickering fighters, ha! xo
Here in Aotearoa New Zealdand, we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving. But we all really do need a real thanksgiving.
Hi Judith! I think Thanksgiving is a uniquely American tradition. However, I think most countries have some day(s) set aside to focus on being grateful, whether for bountiful harvests or something else. Anyway, I’m grateful YOU stopped by!!
Enjoy your time together, Debbie. And agree! Love this poem. ♡
Thank you, Poetess — ’tis a high compliment coming from you! Happy turkey-feast to you and yours!
Happy Thanksgiving, Debbie. And couldn’t agree more with your poem – I feel the same way about our big holidays. Have a lovely family time!
Thanks so much, FF. When I hear Christmas music being piped into the stores just after Halloween, my anger tends to flare! And, with Thanksgiving being early this year, one would think the retailers would have sufficient time to make holiday sales. I’ll have an extra slice of pumpkin pie, just for you, okay?!?
I,m with you, Debbie. A real Thanksgiving.
Thank you, John. We all have a LOT to be grateful for, and I know you in a hurricane-ravaged area realize that more than most. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Happy Thanksgiving to you and Domer, Debbie! Your poetic thoughts are spot on — perhaps if enough of us adopt your attitude, everyone can profit!
Thanks very much, Linda. I’m glad my verses rang true. I imagine a lot of us feel like survivors, after the year we’ve had, and to claim a brief 24-hour period for the things that matter seems appropriate. Happy turkey-day to you and yours!
A blessed Thanksgiving to you, Debbie, & your family. May your unplugged celebration be snug with love & gratitude busting blues (the I am grateful kind!) & lots of hot cocoa night caps! ☕️ 🍁🌟🍁🤗🍁☕️
Aw, thank you, Virginia. As you can see, I haven’t unplugged quite yet (but then, it’s not Thursday either, ha!). Here’s wishing you and yours a most wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!
Happy Thanksgiving Debbie. I know it will be extra special having your son home.
Pat, I know you know how special it is when the kids come home! Domer has taken a few days off work, and we’re trying to pack a LOT into his time off. We’ve already accomplished some things — and I’ve got his word he’ll help with the Christmas decorations … *after* Thanksgiving, ha! Happy turkey-day to you and yours, my friend!
This sounds exactly like what we need! My son is coming home from school also, Debbie. I’m doing a happy dance :D. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Many blessings, my friend. xx
Thanks, Lana — I know you’ll enjoy having your son home. These guys of ours are awfully special!! Happy Turkey-feasting!
Oh, I do agree, dear Debbie.
And a Real Christmas. xxxx
Thanks s much, Kim — nice to learn I’m not the only one! xo