Holiday Season it is only the beginning of December and yet the festive season is quite present.
Every fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving, the feast of ‘thanksgiving to God for the fruits of the earth’’ is celebrated in the US.
The roots of this tradition are religious and date back to the seventeenth, or maybe even to the sixteenth century. During these first celebrations white newcomers gathered together with the Indians. Unfortunately, later in time the settlers and the natives did not get along so well..
Most Americans spend this special Thursday preparing the family dinner. We decided to go to a local restaurant. Excellent turkey served with stuffing and cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes and pumpkin cheesecake, all completely fulfilled our culinary expectations. It is interesting to note that a unique dish is offered for vegetarians – tofurkey.
The holiday weekend cannot take place without the Black Friday, the day of frenzy markdowns and shopping. Fortunately, at the shopping mall, where we stopped, the atmosphere was rather calm. However on the way to Oregon, we passed parking lots filled to the brim. I must admit that the abundance of choice and discounts was a little overwhelming. Additionally, not taking take advantage of the better deals is compared to losing a winning lottery ticket.
On Cyber Monday, those who were not shopped out could find more discounted prices of online clothes, telephones, computers, and airplane tickets.
It is common in the U.S. that Christmas celebration starts the day after Thanksgiving. So on Saturday we went to the artistic and eco-friendly Christmas Market. In the town of Corvallis we admired a local festive Parade. In the long march, I spotted, among others, Boy Scouts , ecological groups (holding banner wishing you very green Christmas), as well as Mrs. Mayor and Senator from Oregon. I even noted a Polish flag being held by group of perhaps listeners of language school. The cold lasted, but we managed to see the illuminated track with Santa Claus himself.
It seems to me that the two holidays are as important to Americans.
Thanksgiving is perhaps more universal in its message and is not aimed at economic profit, as Christmas. There are a lot more television advertising and Christmas decoration around. However, all show a commitment to the common tradition and a desire to be together with the loved ones.
Let me add that, the last week – exceptionally this year – the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah also took place.
A few days ago, Dean brought from the store a mniature of a Christmas tree. From its fresh scent, I feel that the holiday season is not yet over.
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