video;

[anunluckypenny]

[Ambient noise: pots clanking, drawers opening and closing, and all manner of sounds one might hear in a place where food is being prepared.]

Okay, first. If there's anyone who doesn't have anywhere to go for Thanksgiving, there'll be plenty of food at the Welcome Center: mashed potatoes and gravy, cranberry salad, stuffing, cornbread, fruit salad, pumpkin bread, pumpkin pie. No turkey unless someone else wants to pitch in there. Sorry, everyone who isn't a vegetarian!

And second, since there are a lot of people in the City who come from places that don't do Thanksgiving, it's like this. Thanksgiving is only observed in the United States and in Canada, although Canadians do it in... October, or something. Basically, Thanksgiving is built up around this myth that says that, when the pilgrims came from England to America, they had no idea how the food thing worked in the New World. Fortunately, the Native Americans were nice enough to share their knowledge and food and there was a giant feast and everyone got along.

What actually happened involves a lot more dying and a lot less feasting. And genocide. Not cheerful.

Anyway, Thanksgiving is usually celebrated with family. Everyone takes the day off work and the whole family eats a huge meal together. This is one of the only times of year when people are encouraged to slow down, look at what they have, and be thankful. Not that we shouldn't do that every day, but it's easy to forget what you have when you're not thinking about it. So--[quietly, to someone away from the mic] Oh, thank you. [And back to the mic.] Thanksgiving. Giving thanks for family, friends, and all of the good things in life.

And then, on the day after Thanksgiving when everyone's tired of everyone else, shops have sales and people forget what they're thankful for and buy as much stuff as they can.

[There's a significant pause.]

My feelings on Thanksgiving are kind of mixed.

But it's nice to hang out with your favorite people and think about what you're thankful for. Even if you have it rough and you don't think there's anything to be thankful for, just take a minute. Look at what you have. Look at the people in your life. I'm sure there's something you're grateful for.

Just as a reminder: Welcome Center. Noon until whenever. Bring food if you want, but, most importantly, bring yourself!

Comments

[frekish]

Well, I'm okay with the feasting.

[anunluckypenny]

Great! Would you consider being thankful for the feasting, too? You know, in spirit of the holiday?

[frekish]

I could be thankful.

Does this mean I get to come to your feasting?

[dr_conscience]

While I can't and won't disagree with the issues... I do agree the basic concept of thankfulness has value - maybe even more so here.

[And a slight pause, with a shift in tone.]

Would you like some pitching in of the poultry variety?

[anunluckypenny]

Definitely more so here. It's easy to be miserable.

Yes! If you're offering because you actually want to, that'd be amazing.

[dr_conscience]

And easy to lose sight of the fact that we still have a lot to be thankful for.

[With a smile that breaks into his tone,]

I wouldn't offer otherwise. There is something to be said for the comforts of tradition, you know.

[withloadedguns]

Thanksgiving, huh?

[anunluckypenny]

Yep. Is that a thing where you're from?

[withloadedguns]

No, not too much.

[mortemscintilla]

No turkey?

[ 8( But everyone likes turkey. And liquor. ]

[anunluckypenny]

There'll be a turkey! Someone offered to take care of it, so no problem. Would you like to come, Li?

[mortemscintilla]

Oh! [ Turkey c: ] If it's all right. I could bring a salad or something along. [ And gorge himself shamelessly. Shufti with free food is the best sort of shufti. ]

[thewildone]

I'm useless in the kitchen, but I can come eat.

[anunluckypenny]

Your company's good enough for me. That goes for every day, not just tomorrow.

[punchedhitler]

Bucky and I will come, but you have to find a turkey, Penny.

[anunluckypenny]

It's taken care of! Dr. Wilson will be handling the sacrificial poultry.

I'm looking forward to seeing both of you there.

[punchedhitler]

We'll buy a pie.

video;

[majorcrotchgrab]

Even if it's an American holiday... I can't turn down feasts.

video;

[anunluckypenny]

Darn us Americans and our delicious holiday traditions.

I'm glad you'll be there, Raikov.

[justamessenger]

I'd love to come, if you still have room.

[anunluckypenny]

Of course there's room! More than enough.

[sangreine]

[Attention get!] So much food!

[anunluckypenny]

I hope there will be. You're welcome to come by.

[universaltranslator]

Do you need any help getting things together?

[anunluckypenny]

I've never said no to help, if you really don't mind.