Such a geek for learning – shameless really. I’m watching a documentary about the history of Thanksgiving on right now as I cruise around on my laptop. But they said something that caught my attention. Between the time it was declared a national holiday by Lincoln in 1863 and the early 20th century, the work week in America was six days long. I often think of our current culture as the era of the workaholic, with people walking around permanently bent downwards checking Blackberries and texting messages. But the historian said the concept of a weekend wasn’t even common until much later. I’d never think of people living back then as workaholics – in my mind they were working that long because that’s what it took to get by. Yet, I imagine that many of today’s work-obsessed would argue that the level of their attention to work is just as necessary. Hmm…something to ponder. Anyway, in addition to a five-day work week, we’ve got much to be thankful for!
This year my mom is flying in on Friday afternoon, so we’ll be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday to allow plenty of time for us to cook together. It feels strange to wait, but my parents have always been so gracious in accommodating any schedule for holiday celebrations we throw their way that it’s nice to have the opportunity to return the favor. And my mom is not a shopper, so we won’t be sad to miss the after-Thanksgiving retail craziness.
Until then, we three Baileys will spend some cozy hours enjoying the sheer delight of being together – something I give thanks for every day. We’re blessed beyond measure, spoiled by our God who always gives us more than we deserve. Here’s to a holiday dedicated solely to gratitude – Happy Thanksgiving!
