Thanksgiving Day, Challenge Completed!

We’re at the end of November, the air is crisp and cool, and the leaves are golden. It’s the night before the big day and the doorbell rings as family members from all across the country, perhaps even the world, arrive home. Mothers and fathers greet sons and daughters, uncles and aunts bring along the cousins, and the grown-up kids head out to the town to see high school buddies from days long past.

The next day, those in charge of dinner wake up early to begin preparing the turkey, which will cook for hours. Everyone else mills in and out of the kitchen, asking to help, but really just getting in the way. The cook makes some quick snacks and puts them in bowls in the living room, where everyone settles down to watch the Thanksgiving football game. The aroma of roasted meats wafts through the house.

It seems like an eternity has passed, but finally the call rings out and everyone takes their place in the dining room. Some families may say a prayer, and others will go around the table, each guest mentioning something that they have been thankful for over the past year. The turkey is carved, the gravy boat passed around, bread is broken, cranberry sauce, sweet potato casserole and mashed potatoes are spooned onto plates. The family jokes and laughs, they congratulate the cooks, a clever aunt deftly changes the subject when politics are brought up. Then, as plates are cleared away, the desserts are brought out with strong coffee. This is the highlight of the day for many, as a variety of pies with autumnal fillings are served: sweet, caramelly pecan pie, soft, warming pumpkin pie, and, of course, that dessert more American than Uncle Sam himself, apple pie.

Then, everyone waddles over to the sofa. Perhaps a family favourite movie is put on, or board games are played. Grandfather falls asleep as the TV glows softly. As nighttime rolls in, the family’s famous turkey sandwiches cap off the celebrations, and everyone retires to bed to snooze off a day of family, food and warmth. 

I took these 50 miles slow, spreading out the season of Thanks and Giving.  I put in 2 miles a day - 1 mile of walking and 1 mile from an act of service or gratitude.  Completing this challenge marks Number 50 for me!