by Peter Wechsler
President & Co-Founder, Franklin Retirement Solutions
[email protected]
Thanksgiving is as late as it can be this year, so the number of shopping days ’til Christmas is now less than last year. Better rush out to the mall… or not. The good news is that Thanksgiving dinner will cost less than last year… so they say. Who is “they” and what are they smoking?
This year Thanksgiving is at my place, and it looks like we’ll have about 12 folks which is great as we can all fit comfortably around the dining room table. My job, besides shopping and setting up, is to make the appetizers, roast the prime rib, make the stuffing, and make a fruit salad. Family members are bringing the turkey, cranberry sauce, sides, soup, and desserts. It will be fun!
As I write every year, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Whether your ancestors came over on the Mayflower, came not by choice, came over to escape persecution, or came later on a 747, my clients, friends, and most family members tell me the same thing… they love Thanksgiving. Me too!
Yes, I love the food, but that’s not it. And yes, I love the whole family getting together for a joyous feast. Some years it reminds me of Norman Rockwell’s famous painting “Freedom From Want,” although my Thanksgiving table never looks quite like his.
But for me, what I love most about Thanksgiving is that it is truly an American holiday. And because it’s not a religious celebration, no matter what your faith or lack thereof, this is one day where all Americans celebrate together all this country has to offer and how blessed we are to live in the United States.
I hope all of you have a great Thanksgiving and enjoy the holiday weekend. As I pen this on Monday night, I have no plans for shopping this weekend. But that could change if persuaded enough. I rather doubt it.
Enjoy the holiday…
Peter