Thursday, November 28, 2013

Thanksgivukkah, Thanksgiving, Turkey Leftover Day, more

November 28th, 2013, is Thanksgivukkah, Thanksgiving, National Day of Mourning, Turkey-Free Thanksgiving, Make Your Own Head Day, Red Planet Day, Gone-ta-Pott Day, Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha, Independence Day (Albania), Independence Day (Mauritania), Independence Day (Panama), Turkey Leftover Day, and National French Toast Day.

Image courtesy of Beaniebeagle, dreamtime.com.

It is a rare year when Hanukkah has its first full day on Thanksgiving. Some have coined the term Thanksgivukkah. Send your loved ones an e-card! The two holidays last converged in 1861, before Thanksgiving was officially celebrated, and - get this - they won't converge again for about 75,000 years!

Thanksgiving, the fourth Thursday in November in the United States, is about more than turkey, dressing, and pumpkin pie. It's about sharing your bounty with others and expressing gratitude for your good fortune. The first Thanksgiving was celebrated by Pilgrims and Native Americans in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

While many Americans have celebrated Thanksgiving over the years, some Native Americans lamented their loss of land and culture. In 1970, a large group of protestors walked out of a Thanksgiving feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, thus founding the National Day of Mourning.

Some choose to celebrate Turkey-Free Thanksgiving, but most Americans want to see a turkey or ham at the holiday table.

Not into today's endless football? Tired of what you see in the mirror? Feeling crafty? Then gather your supplies and celebrate Make Your Own Head Day. Go realistic or abstract. Use clay, beads, paper mache, pipe cleaners, yarn, glitter, cardboard, water bottles, computer parts, old socks, butter, Thanksgiving leftovers, whatever. Show the world the real you.

Red Planet Day honors the planet Mars, our neighbor in the solar system. On this date in 1964 Mariner 4 departed earth, then it cruised by Mars almost a year later. Currently the Mars Rover Curiosity is exploring the surface of the red planet. Right now experts are diagnosing an electrical issue with the rover, but think positive and follow @MarsCuriosity on Twitter, if you're curious.

If you're a regular reader of this blog, you know that the 28th of every month is Gone-ta-Pott Day.

Followers of the Baha'i faith observe the Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha, remembering the death of the son of Baha'u'llah.

The countries of Albania, Mauritania, and Panama celebrate Independence Day on November 28th.

Oddly, this year Turkey Leftover Day falls on Thanksgiving. Consider this a planning phase, either for tomorrow or for a late-night snack. How about some turkey soup or turkey tetrazzini for a yummy change of pace?

National French Toast Day honors a delicious breakfast food that is neither French nor toasted. Life is funny sometimes.


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