Thursday, November 27, 2008

Pilgrim Party Pooper

Turns out I have much more in common with these people than I thought. Pretty much I'm a modern day pilgrim.
I've never been a huge fan of T-giving. I don't hate it. I think it's fine. But it doesn't thrill me. Maybe you'll hate me for saying this, but I recently realized that the reason I don't care too much for it is that it's too gluttonous for me. I love the idea of setting aside a day every year (or more often would be even better) to focus on the things you're thankful for; a day to spend quality time with family. I love that aspect of it. But I struggle with the gross over indulgence. I mean, I don't think it's evil or horrible or anything. But it just doesn't appeal to me. Why can't we do something healthy or active while we're giving thanks? I know. It's because of tradition. And I think that's great. I'm crazy about traditions.
But this year I learnt something new about the p-grims. Turns out they had similar sentiments to mine. I was reading a history of the first t-giving with my students earlier this week. I learnt for the first time that the p-grims were actually very hesitant to indulge in the feast. It seemed to wasteful and gluttonous to those pious witholders! Those party animal indians had to talk those p-grims into that feast! Those p-grims thought their time and resources would be better spent working or worshipping, not shoving their faces full of turkeys and lobsters. But that did not mean that they weren't grateful. They were probably incredibly grateful. They just didn't know if that was the best way to celebrate it.
So this T-giving holiday I realized that as well as being a pioneer, I am also a p-grim. And the rest of you lazy, gluttonous sad sacks were more inspired by the green corn dance festival of the nateevs. But who am I to judge? I don't judge. I'm a pilgrim. We don't do that. We're too good and pure to do that.

2 comments:

Emilie and Branden said...
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oliver.and.emily said...

"Why can't we do something healthy or active while we're giving thanks?"
Oliver and I walked around the block after dinner to make room for pie. That seemed pretty sweet and active.