thanksgiving 2020

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.

I love the big family hang-outs.

The amazing, and endless amounts of,  food.

And the togetherness of it all.

I love everything about the holiday.

And every year looks pretty much the same. 

Except of course for 2020.

First, it's unseasonably warm. Mid 60's. 

But that's the least unusual thing about this Thanksgiving.

Alexander and I wake up late. 11. I think the last time I slept that late was in high school. It must be that comforting feeling of knowing my son is safe and nearby.

We go for a five-mile walk.  I introduce Alexander to The North Woods. He, too, can't believe its quiet beauty.

We heed the advice of Dr. Fauci and others who are warning against big Thanksgiving celebrations. The recommendation this year is to stay home, so we can all be here for next year.

At 3:30 my family gets together via Zoom. One other thing we have, among many, to be grateful for. 

22 adults and 5 little kids, on and off for a half hour.

After our Zoom call, I make Cosmopolitans, forgetting to double the recipe. We each have half a glass, though it's enough to give me a bit of a buzz.

Our "early" Thanksgiving dinner doesn't happen.

We eat around 8:30 ... an excellent duck dinner  (picked up yesterday at Chez Nick). It's poultry, so close enough.

And while this Thanksgiving may not be quite as great as prior years, it's still pretty great.

I'm with my son.

My family is safe and healthy.

We have (exceptional) food on the table.

And there is no traffic to fight going home.