Why I’m not cranky this Thanksgiving

Even though I can be grouchy around the holidays (’tis a hellish season to be single), you won’t hear any complaints from me right now. Instead, I am feeling reasonably sociable, for three reasons…

***First up, here is one of my favorite cartoons from The New Yorker. Last Thanksgiving, I posted this precious moment from the magazine on Facebook and couldn’t resist bringing it back for an encore on the blog. Since holidays can get very, very stressful, maintaining a sense of humor is a survival skill. So let’s begin this post by sharing a laugh:

*** This afternoon, my daughter and I are going to feast at the home of an old friend. The reason I will be able to throw myself into mingling is that I will not be distracted by anxiety over which water glass and bread plate are mine. There will be no awkwardness because I know the secret of “B-M-W:”

I learned this tip from my friend June Jee and it has saved me many times. If you want more super-helpful, super-easy-to-remember dining advice, please check out Betty Ming Liu’s table etiquette tips.  :)

***The last reason I’m feeling fairly mellow comes courtesy of yet another good friend. During a recent chat, she said something that cracked me up. Then, it made me think:

“Home is the place where, when you show up, they have to let you in.”

The original quote by the poet Robert Frost was: “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in.” But my friend’s line is better because it opens up broader definitions for “home” and “family.”

So on that note, I just want to say how glad I am to know that there are many places where I can show up and be taken in. I’m also very grateful to have you here right now. Thank you for letting me in for these blogging moments that always glow with your good energy.   :)

Best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving! xo

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