I’m not always sure what to make of the “happy” label on holidays. If we are having a “happy” thanksgiving, does it mean our parades, football, and turkey have lulled us into a collective and blissful ignorance of the impoverishment of some of our neighbors? Or is the struggling middle class just relieved to have a day off from work–until 3pm or whenever the retailer of choice opens for Black Friday Eve?
The British refer to a “happy” Christmas, but do we forget that the day after wasn’t originally as much about football/soccer as it was about the first martyr?
Anyway, I’d like to wish people a blessed day. hopefully that means something more broad and deep than happiness, merriment, or some exclusively positive thought.
Ben Franklin on the turkey:
(T)he Turkey … is besides, though a little vain & silly, a Bird of Courage, and would not hesitate to attack a Grenadier of the British Guards who should presume to invade his Farm Yard with a red Coat on.
May our vanities and silliness not prevent us from seeking and finding God’s truest blessings on this holiday.
Some musical bits for the day:
And something similar here.
Catholic Sensibility 