Thanksgiving (one word) in America is primarily just a family get-together 'Feast Day', where the menu is usually 'traditional American foods' such as Turkey, Sweet Potatoes (never understood how they got included, they were originally from SOUTH America, and wouldn't even be recognized in New England), Cranberries, stuffing (a savory bread pudding), and Corn (Maize). There usually isn't much gift giving involved, although if the visiting distant relatives aren't going to be there for Christmas, they will often bring gifts for that holiday, to be opened later. I find it interesting that Turkey has become a traditional Christmas meal in Britain, considering the fact that they were originally native only to North America. I was under the impression that Goose was the traditional holiday meal, or have I bee reading too much Dickens?
Anyhow, to me, right now, it's just a day off from work (without pay
), since my nearest distant relative (figure that one out?) is a five hour drive away. I'll have a 'feast day' with friends a few days later, but in actuality, I plan on painting my living room on Thanksgiving Day...