Wwwtaking Time for thanks
Taking Time For Thanks
The whole meaning of Thanksgiving is sometimes forgotten in the chaotic rush of preparing for the holiday. We fail to recognize the true intention behind celebrating this very specific holiday. As some of us may know, the root word of holiday is holy day. Failure to take the time for thanks is avoidable, if only our plans were organized.
Planning for any holiday can be somewhat of a challenge if only we fail to follow it through. To make planning less hectic would be to make most of the traditional celebration, and follow simplicity. Sometimes we forget that. To insure less surprises on this day, one might start with planing weeks ahead. making a list of to do for the meal,entertainment, cleanup and allotment of unexpected happenings. This will ensure less stress and make time in order for thanks on this holy day. We should all remember the history behind thanksgiving. In doing so, we recognize the importance of thanksgiving. The Pilgrims celebrated their feast with giving thanks for the harvest they reaped,prepared meals and fed many. The menu for this feast was simple, yet they would feast for days on the meal.This delicious plan might have included such things as follows:
Items most likely on the menu -
Cornbread - admired by both the English and Native Americans English Cheese Pie - cheese was important to the English Venison - five deer were brought by the Native Americans Ducks & Geese - gathered by the English Wild Turkey - Native Americans and English alike enjoyed this meal Garlic and Onions - staples of the diet Pumpkin Pudding - there wasn't pumpkin pie at the time Indian Pudding - can be served as a warm or cold dessert
http://www.wildturkeyzone.com/articles/thanksgivinghistory.htm
This sort of menu in the present day would be revised and more simple. More than likely our traditional dinner takes less time for preparation. Our entertainment also require different planning. In order for us to have the time to set aside for thanks the day should be planned way ahead and one should always try and begin the celebration with thanks. In order for time saving this day, one might rely on family and friends to share the planning, therefore allowing a little leisure space for thanks for the gathering. Some suggestions would be:
Assign side dishes,desserts,such as a potluck. Allow for some ready made dishes. Consider a breast of turkey, less cooking time.In celebrating this holiday, the reading of the story behind the first thanksgiving dinner could bring remembrance to the meaning behind the holiday. Incorporating thanks into several events during the day would familiarize family and friends with proper, yet appropriate and less chaos on this day.
The reading of a poem might also be included in the plans for thanksgiving. Getting the attention off the hussle and bussel of organization allows for relaxing and remembrance of thanks. A sample poem might be:
We Give Thanks http://www.gospel.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2007/11/thanksgiving.jpg Our Father in Heaven, We give thanks for the pleasure Of gathering together for this occasion. We give thanks for this food Prepared by loving hands. We give thanks for life, The freedom to enjoy it all And all other blessings. As we partake of this food, We pray for health and strength To carry on and try to live as You would have us. This we ask in the name of Christ, Our Heavenly Father.
-Harry Jewell
http://christianity.about.com/od/thanksgivingverses/a/thanksgivingpra.htm
http://www.faithstreams.com/ME2/Sites/dirmod.asp?sid=5F4E345683D8492B9B56CBC49802F459&
