Lately Thanksgiving is any day the children gather from the four winds, when we meet in Boulder or Brazil and tell the old stories about the time I made Gif eat the hard boiled egg that was supposed to be Lael's. Maybe our celebrations of family are the most important holy days we have left. Without familiarity and hearth the world is too lonely to bear, too much fast food, and strangers passing in the night. I can always tell when a fast day is coming up because I feel stuffed and loggy. I'm tired of too much food, distraction, work,stress, things.
Abstinence make the palate grow fonder.
Refrain from eating for a day or so, savor the feeling of being empty, and you will return to tea and toast as to a banquet. I'm sure your personal calendar is different from mine because the events that give the drama of your life dignity, depth, and delight are different from mine. With the best of planning you won't be able to anticipate all the occasions that sing out for attention. Just beneath the surface of our official holidays there lies a world of private celebrations and ritual occasions, special events in the lives of families and friends.