+ Thanksgiving +

Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest, and is now considered a secular holiday, though it was religious in orgin. The orgin is debated still, some say it started in 1621 at Plymouth, Massachusetts. Though others claim the Spanish explorers of Florida had one in 1565. Others claim 1619 in Virginia was the first one.

Though, mostly our current traditions follow after the model of the Plymouth Thanksgiving with the pilgrims, as the Native Americans helped them to keep from starving. They thanked the Native Americans by giving them small pox ridden blankets (so, that part isn't totally true. While they did give Indians small pox ridden blankets, in all reality they didn't realize they were passing on their diseases or that the Natives would take so harshly to their diseases...).
Now, we celebrate by stuffing our faces with turkey, mashed potatoes, cranberry, veggies, and pumpkin pie. Why? Because it's delicious and it gives families and friends a time to get together and stuff their faces because that's what people love to do. Oh, and get together and embarass each other and cause all sorts of rukus and yllisness.

This year there is snow covering the ground and the air is frigid. You'd think that it is Christmas, not Thanksgiving. But then a lot of things are different this year. I am grandparent-less. The house just doesn't feel very cheerful. I cooked the majority, usually the parents wouldn't have me do as much. Not that I minded, I enjoy cooking. For once it was just our family, I can't remember the last time we didn't have lost puppies for guests. Ajax or the Mom usually bring others to join because they feel too guilty knowing people that have no where to go. I still say it was nice just having family for once considering it's rare I get to see my family, and especially all at the same time. Even if the rest of them do live in the same house, they're never there at the same time.

I got up at eight this morning and began to make dinner for the family. It all turned out pretty well, especially for a first time cooking a meal of that size. The Dad and I had to go out and get fire wood, and it's a mess outside. Snow, cold, and stupid people driving causing all sorts of chaos and accidents. I was concerned for our lives to be honest. It's amazing how very few people can drive properly in the snow. Rather sad, really...

After everything was done cooking, and we'd sat down to eat we all had to say something we were thankful for. I looked the Mom in the eyes and was like, "I'm thankful my fish haven't died". Yeah, a smartass to the end. What can I say? I'm pretty pro at killing family moments. Usually without even trying. I'm just cool like that.

Then we decided to kick the end of Thanksgiving with movies. Iron Man 2. Yeah, random, but whatev. Nothing like vigilantes to make my life complete.