Happy Thanksgiving

As an immigrant to this country, the celebration of Thanksgiving came as a special treat. There was no Thanksgiving in Australia where I grew up, nor in Britain where I worked later. People were just thankful that the pubs were open.

But I have come to love Thanksgiving without being bred to it. This affection is about more than the grand meal, although I have no objection (and some fondness) for occasions of big eating.

What I especially like is the timing of the holiday, just when the icy hands of winter start to throttle a person's spirits.

I like the fact that gifts are not required and hence commercialization is kept to a minimum (yes, the day after Thanksgiving is a huge shopping day, but that is all about the start of the Christmas season).

I like the fact that diverse family and friends are drawn to the table. That happens a bit at Christmas too but I think not as much as Thanksgiving, where the feast almost requires more participants. Tomorrow my family are going to the house of friends where at least a dozen people will be seated.

It may seem a little self-centered and shallow but on my list of things to be thankful are the spirited readers who come to this blog and my columns. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.