I digress.
I was talking about turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. I'm getting hungry right now thinking about it.
So, why am I bringing this up? I am bringing this up because I've moved to a different state, where I have no family, and neither does my partner. In fact, this is the first time in two years me and my partner are spending any of these holidays together. It was a little bit of a shock to me when I realized that I didn't spend the holidays with him, and I thought back to what I did do.
I spent time with friends on Thanksgiving, at least one year, and last year I went to Marie Calender's with a friend who had just moved near me. I know a lot of people complain about stores being open on Thanksgiving, but honestly, it saved me. Those stores being open saved me from being lonely, and feeling depressed, and dwelling on the fact that I was alone. Those stores being open saved me from tear stained pillowcases, and an empty pit when he was unable to call. Those stores being open might offend some of you, but why? Are you working on Thanksgiving? I have. I was happy to be paid, and I got extra pay at one of those jobs for working on Thanksgiving.
People should try being a little less judgmental this holiday season. If you see a friend struggling, help them out. If you know someone is lonely, invite them over, they might say no because they don't want to intrude on a family holiday but sometimes they say yes. Don't complain about those stores being open on Thanksgiving, those open stores might just be what someone needs to crawl out of a lonely state, and it might help them focus on the now, not the next lonely holiday that is coming up.
I love the holidays, but I also hate the holidays. Thanksgiving feeds my body, and people feed my soul. Sometimes the soul needs to get out and be around people (not necessarily shop) to feel like it belongs. Sometimes the soul needs more than a belly full of food to feel like everything will be okay.
I look forward to turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. I love giving gifts. I love the lights and generosity that comes with the holidays. I wish we would be this giving year-round. I, however, hate Christmas. The actual day is not fun for me. While I hate Christmas, I love the feel of the holidays.