What does Thanksgiving mean today?

Mr. Pitt was forbidden to watch 

the Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade as a child 

but made up for it when he won a ticket 

to hold the rope for the Woody Woodpecker balloon.

This will sound bad, but it seems to me it means whatever anyone wants it to mean.  It used to be about the harvest and thanking God for his blessings and so on.  It also used to be such feast days were preceded by penance and fasting.  The feast day, like a Sunday was meant as a day of rest as well as feasting with family and friends.

As a Catholic, I know every Mass or Eucharist is a Thanksgiving.  But Sundays are now shopping days and sports days.  As are most holidays.  As Americans, we have so much, and when we see what others have lost, we instinctively express gratitude for what we still have.  We also share more in the face of crisis - which is very good.  Sharing, alms giving is maybe better than prayer and fasting - except - all three together is what makes us saintly.  If we accept God's grace to do that, then we have very much to be grateful for.

Now that I'm old, for me Thanksgiving is no longer a sentimental journey, it's just what it is - a holiday to kick off Christmas season, and a reminder to give alms.  It's the least demanding holiday ever - for old men.  You get to stay home and do whatever and not feel guilty.  Ha!

Happy Thanksgiving Poodles! 

If you have to eat with others,

watch your manners.