A Day Of Giving Thanks

We’re all aware the story of the Pilgrims and Native Americans sitting down to a happy, joyous day of feasting and celebration is a false narrative at best. The reality is far more oppressive, hostile, treacherous and bloody. Unto itself, it’s not really celebration worthy.

Combine that with off the charts consumerism, family obligations many of us would rather forgo, and holiday events thrust upon us, what’s a reserved Satanist to do?

As for me, I completely ignore the “story time” roots of Thanksgiving, and instead treat is as a real day of giving thanks. That is figurative and literal.

I’m quite lucky in that I don’t have family close by, so I don’t attend family dinners. With Covid still looming large and potent, I don’t pay any social visits either. Nor do I invite people over. Three big frustration points taken off the list.

So, is there cause to celebrate during Thanksgiving?

Yes, there is. I spend the day reflecting on the events of the year. Not a 5 minute recap, but a thorough analysis of what I’ve done in the year, what I wanted to get done, and how I feel about my accomplishments.

These are written down in a journal I keep. I spent several hours looking over my career and what I worked on. I give myself praise and criticism. I make note of what could be better for next year.

This makes me ask the question, “Do I like this job?” “Do I like the people I work with?” “Am I satisfied and fulfilled by doing this?”

If I have trouble coming up with positive examples, there are other questions I need to start asking.

I do the same for my personal life. What did my partner and I do together? What did we want to do? What could have been better? What mistakes did we make? What were the sources of frustration and friction? What were the sources of joy and loving?

I then take stock of the things I’m grateful for. Even though my dog passed away a month ago, I’m thankful we had time together. I’m grateful for those years she was in my life.

I’m grateful for having the partner I do. We have been together many years and I’m very thankful for that. My life is better because we are together.

I’m grateful for the company I work for. I’ve had some crap jobs and managers, so I’m thankful this is a team of supportive people who work together. I feel we encourage each other, avoid placing blame, and work as a unit to complete our projects. A team is only as strong as the weakest link, and we all work to make each other stronger.

I’m thankful for my kids and grandkids. They are all happy, healthy, and living fruitful lives. I’m thankful for my home and cars, computers and iPads. I’m thankful for the work I do. I’m thankful and grateful for the money I make. I’m grateful for the technology in my life that allows me to do the things I do and have the job I have. I’m thankful I get to work remotely.

What about the celebration? Since there is no family gathering, is there a gluttonous meal of turkey and all the trimmings?

There is turkey, because I like it. There is mashed potatoes and gravy, because I like those too. But no, it is a scaled down affair that reflects appreciation for the things we have been this year. It’s not a mountain of food that will go waste in a couple days, or that I’ll be sick of and won’t appreciate.

Thanksgiving is a time to show appreciation to the people I’m directly involved with. It’s a time for me to say, “I appreciate you, and I’m thankful you are a part of my life.”