(This is the speech I prepared for our American Thanksgiving in Melbourne celebrated on 6 November 2011)
It gives me great pleasure this evening to share with you my very favourite holiday, that of the uniquely American Thanksgiving. I think we can all agree that when it comes to American culture, much of what is transported overseas, namely through various media sources, is negative. Tonight we have the opportunity to share something I believe to be thoroughly positive, that of the tradition of giving thanks together over a bountiful meal with those whom we call our close friends and family members.
It is perhaps difficult to overstate the love that Americans have for the Thanksgiving holiday. It is certainly the least commercial of all of the various special days celebrated throughout the calendar year, and, most happily for me, does not require the sending of cards, purchasing and wrapping of gifts, nor the undue spoiling of children. For many Americans it is more important to go home for Thanksgiving than for Christmas, and the four days that make up this fourth weekend in November are among the most heavily travelled of the entire year.
I would like to take just a few moments to attempt to set the scene for you that makes up this special weekend. November is typically a rather dull month in much of North America. The grass has lost its summer green colour, the beautiful autumn leaves have long since disappeared, leaving bare branches against a gray sky, and more often than not a cold rain is falling. Christmas is still a month away, so something cheerful is definitely in order. This might in part explain the attraction of Thanksgiving.
Then, of course, there is the prospect of the meal itself. Preparations for the feast begin well in advance, with the making of elaborate menus that must take into account the favourite foods of all invited, including special recipes, often handed down for generations, from all branches of the families represented. Purchasing of ingredients begins in earnest the weekend before, and by Wednesday of Thanksgiving week, the family has begun to gather.
Thursday itself can be a very relaxing day, except perhaps for the cook in charge. The only requirements of the day are to feast and to watch gridiron football. In our family, we throw in a long walk during the afternoon in an attempt to counteract just a few of the calorie-laden dishes that grace the typical Thanksgiving table. Some years there is enough snow for sledding, a bonus when there are young children underfoot.
As the turkey slowly cooks in the oven, filling the atmosphere with a wonderful aroma, the anticipation builds steadily throughout the house. When the cook makes the long-awaited announcement that the bird has finished cooking, the excitement can be felt in the air. The turkey is carefully lifted out of the oven, and while it rests, the potatoes are mashed, gravy stirred, and final touches put on the remainder of the dishes. In many households these dishes include one or more versions of candied yams, cornbread stuffing, rolls, cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, and corn pudding.
Although all mouths are watering by this point, indeed have been watering for an hour or more, there is a pause before the actual tucking in begins. This I believe to be a most important part of the day. Seated around tables decorated with autumn leaves, candles, and perhaps a pumpkin or two, in front of the family’s best china and silverware, time is taken in most families to offer thanks. Often each person present, down to the very youngest, is asked to share what makes them most grateful. This can be a beautiful time, sometimes a funny one, and frequently a touching one.
I would like to take this opportunity to share my gratitude for how God has blessed our family during the past fifteen months. We have gone from wondering how we were going to survive the next two or three years on the other side of the world, so far from our family and friends, to wondering just how we will ever bring ourselves to return when the time comes. This, I believe, is in very large part due to the folks at Malvern Presbyterian Church whom we have come to view as our Australian family. You have welcomed us with open arms, taken the time to get to know us, given us advice about how to best enjoy this marvellous country of yours, and served us faithfully on Sunday mornings and evenings. You have not only tolerated the extra noise, mess, and commotion caused by our four children, but have shown them such great kindness and generosity that coming to church is a highlight of the week for them, something they keenly anticipate. We have sensed your love, friendship, and care time and time again, and for this we are more grateful than we are able to properly express.
Thanksgiving is a favourite time to me for many reasons. It provides an opportunity before the busy Christmas season ahead to take a deep breath and focus upon what is truly important. There is a simple but profound beauty, I believe, in taking time to reflect over the blessings of the past year, to share them with those with whom you have close ties, and then to offer heartfelt thanksgiving to our Heavenly Father. The traditional meal of turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie that follows is the bonus, and one that we are thrilled to share with you tonight.
As for the food itself, our minister Phil wondered when the subject was first discussed whether there would be anything actually edible. We certainly trust there will be something edible for you, Phil, and for all present, and hopefully even better than that, although I cannot hope to reach the standard set for me over the years by my mother and grandmother.
As I bring my personal remarks to a close, I would like to express my gratitude for all who have offered their help in putting together tonight’s meal. Your support and enthusiasm have been much appreciated and deeply felt. I would especially like to mention my heartfelt thanks to Gillian Brown who has gone far above the call of duty and friendship in all the work, thought, and preparation that she has poured into this evening. She can have had no idea just what she was getting herself into when she offered last year about this time to help us chase away our loneliness at Thanksgiving 2011 by celebrating with us. Without her, I would not have had the courage, nor the ability, to do this. I am so glad she suggested it, however, as the preparations have provided a great source of joy to me and to my family, and I hope to all of you tonight as well.
Well said Christie! Now, my mouth is beginning to water in anticipation of Thursday! And I am already counting our blessings, the Wilkins included.
Posted by: Amy Smith | 11/23/2011 at 03:44 PM