It’s that time of year again. It’s the time for giving thanks for all that we have and all that we have been given. It’s for spending time with family, friends and loved ones. It’s time for…. All right, enough of the Norman Rockwell and Hallmark moments. It’s time we talk about what this time of year really means.
Thanksgiving is the start of it all. In my eyes, it is the opening week of the “second season”. Not only does this signal the start of the holiday season but it also signals that the NFL postseason is almost upon us. And let us not forget that college football is headed into their magical time of year…bowl season. That is only a mere three weeks after Thanksgiving. With Thanksgiving you get it all. You get football and a long weekend (most of us) but more importantly you get the food. It is a weekend that had to the favorite of Elvis on account of all the turkey that is consumed. But in addition to the food, did I mention the football? Now, in all fairness we also get parades in the morning but that is for the kids so that when the noontime kickoffs roll around, we can say to them that they watched television all morning and they need a break. Nice game plan there, fellas! (It had to be a football fan that thought of having the Macy’s Parade at that time.)
The first step in enjoying Thanksgiving Day and the football is to get past the fact that the Cowboys and Lions play someone every year. If those games don’t strike your fancy, there are always a number of college games to partake in. Sometimes, the beloved Redskins make a Turkey Day appearance, by which their performance can and has been known to ruin an entire Thanksgiving meal. It has also been known to cause several altercations that ultimately lead to someone either getting so mad they leave the family function with threats of not returning for Christmas or someone ends up knocking someone into the dessert table. All in all it is a good thing when the Redskins do not play on Thanksgiving Day. I personally watch three or four games on Thanksgiving. Well, I should say that I am in front of the television while three or four games are played. I say that because after saddling up to the table for the first of two Thanksgiving Day meals, I usually pass out with the other men in attendance whilst the digestive system goes into overdrive.
The final key for my getting the most out of Thanksgiving Day as well as the entire holiday season is to drink all day. Now, I don’t recommend getting as drunk as a skunk but rather a nice slow buzz that starts early Thanksgiving morning (after coffee of course) and if you are lucky it runs right through the New Year. I have been implementing that strategy since I got married and thus far the holiday seasons have been tolerable. The other tip, always carry some Gas-X or your personal choice of a gas reliever. Remember you’re eating turkey, not a green salad. You have to be prepared for the after effects of such a meal. If you are a “double diner,” meaning that you have multiple meals on Thanksgiving, I have two final nuggets of advice: pace yourself and don’t be afraid to go with the elastic waistband and for the love all that is sacred, don’t tuck in your shirt.
Seriously, this Thanksgiving, take a step back and look at all that you have and all that you have been given. Allow all the talk about the state of the Redskins to rest for the day. Take a moment to give thanks and let those around you know how much they really mean. With all that goes on in this world, don’t ever assume that you will always have the chance to make things right with family or friends.
So to you my friends, have a great Thanksgiving and be sure to come back next week to check the view from the Cheap Seats……..
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Les Barnhart