Leftover Love

There is a buzz of anticipation that seems to infiltrate the senses with regards to the Thanksgiving holiday. One can smell the love that goes into the meal, even before the first oven match is lit. This holiday signifies the beginning of the season of good tidings. Those little red Salvation Army tins start to appear along with the clutter of shopping bags (yesterday was Black Friday, also known to retailers as The Blitz, have you all started your shopping yet?) People begin to feel a bit more open to the idea of giving and it all begins at the Thanksgiving table. We can all talk about a part of the meal that we love the most; be it the juicy turkey with the stuffing, or creamy macaroni and cheese or the sweet cranberry sauce.

But for me, I love the idea of making the rounds. I call myself the "Turkey Dinner Doctor". I ring doorbells and share my table side manner along with laughs and family memories. It is always a good time to catch up with the people in your life and share your experiences...along with indulging in potato salad, collard greens and paella (a Spanish rice dish that my family makes often and loves to eat. There are different variations of the dish, but this is the recipe that I've tried. It's delicious!)

But the most gracious of times comes when after the food, family and football games and along with the hugs, kisses and promises to see one another for the Christmas gathering, you are given the ultimate token of thanks. It's aluminumed appreciation. It's a Tupperware testimonial...otherwise known as leftovers! Its how your family not only shows their affection for you but also for your refrigerator.

It seems like this is the time of year when your refrigerator can literally embrace one of the many meanings of the holidays. It can hold all of the love that one's family takes the time to show them. Any other time it seems like the box screams for compassion (it's like that movie, Little Shop of Horrors, where the giant Venus flytrap screams: "Feed Me Seymour!!") but there may only be the occasional ketchup packet and box of baking soda. Now I know what you may be thinking: Is she a cook? I have cooked many times, but at this rate, I think it's a bit overrated. I'm a single woman living in New York, why rack your brain over what to make for dinner when making reservations is so much easier!
LOL!

So, we will sit at the bounty that is the Thanksgiving table, count our blessings and know that we are in a place of communion for life's large and small events. It is at these family affairs with love, grace and a big dollop of humor that we are reminded of who we are and where we come from. And we can then take pleasure in knowing that the warm holiday memories that are whipped up on this day of thanks can be relived for the next few days over slices of pumpkin pie and cold turkey. Also known as Leftover Love.