Culturally Resonant

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

I went to our local twenty-four-hour supermarket through late afternoon’s gloomy drizzle, not knowing exactly why but vaguely needing something. Many others, like me, were braving the chilly drizzle by hurrying into and out of the store. Once inside, I found myself maneuvering around other shoppers in crowded aisles. Suddenly, I woke up, “Hey, Stupid! This is Thanksgiving week!”

Aha! Thanksgiving had been the submerged but driving idea pointing me toward the market. I looked around with fresh attention, eying the offerings. Relatively inexpensive turkey at holiday time is a huge draw. I won’t be cooking for this holiday but I’d not mind eating turkey next week and probably beyond. I searched through a tank full of frozen big birds for the smallest one, finally bringing home anyway a large turkey, but feeling satisfied.

I’ll cook my turkey on another day off, either this weekend or early next week. Since experience reminds me that I’ll quickly tire of eating turkey, I’ll immediately portion and freeze the cooked bird. I’ll save plenty for my dogs; they won’t tire of eating turkey. My Cockatoo, Peaches, too; he weighs in grams and won’t dent the leftovers. Besides, Peaches favors bones–cracks them and devours marrows.

So many thoughts about Thanksgiving made me reconsider some psychological appeals of Turkey-Time. Essentially, the holiday taps into some of the most basic human needs: connection, belonging, gratitude, and meaning. Often, while busily focused on tasks, goals, and objectives, I disregard those basics. What refreshes me is remembering and thinking about the holiday.

The same will recur at Christmas time. I’ll likely drift again into the 24-hour supermarket and wander toward specialty foods. And, from deep in my mind, recalling pleasantness: feeling actively connected and belonging, thankful and meaningful.

Dear Friends: The coin’s other side: I need this giant turkey like a hole in my head. Diana