Thoughts on Thanksgiving: Gratitude with a side of kvetching and future gazing

Good morning and Happy Thanksgiving to my friends, family, and everyone I know. And don't know. All of y'all.

Thanksgiving has always been one of my very favorite holidays. From the fall colors to the crisp air to the Macy's Parade to the fantastic meal and togetherness with family and friends. Not to mention it's the traditional kick-off to the holiday season. I am a big fan of the holidays and feel grateful that I've had nothing but a wonderful time for the past few holiday seasons. But here we are now. And yea. Hmm.

Though I am tremendously grateful for my work and my family and friends, I'm missing stuff. 

I admit at the beginning of the quar. I was thrilled to WFH, be at home, eat at home. All of it. I was relieved not to have to run around to and fro. From the gym to the office to the dinner plans to falling into bed and feeling completely tapped out. But now I feel that way from the lack of much to do at all. I even started missing commuting a bit. It was that time in the morning where I'd put on my music and look at people and places and watch the city wake up. As a creative person, I'm getting somewhat panicked about the lack of inspiration. I'm like a baby. I need constant stimulation. A baby and a New Yorker. That's why I live here- for the constant air of surprise, delight, and sometimes disgust. I need that range in my day. Now I may have all of those things. But it's because I watch too much CNN while I'm working. It's just not the same.

Yesterday I was chatting with someone about what's next. What will people want to wear after months and months of matching sweatsuits? Will we ever stop wearing ugly shoes? Will I ever need a blazer again? Or a dress? I'm starting to dress like a bro and I can't stop. I mean my last blog post was about socks. Send help.

But back to what's ahead. 

As I watched Biden introduce his cabinet, I felt an unusual sense of calm. Like, yea. We're in a crazy pandemic, but things may just be ok soon. Because we are going to have some normal people around. That look normal. And talk good. And care about public service.There's relief in that, and I know I'm not alone.

And when this plague is over, will we all take to the streets and rejoice? Will disco make a comeback along with silky, lame silhouettes and high heeled sandals? Will I embrace my inner Bianca Jagger, or will I continue to dress like Rocky? Or perhaps I'll combine the two. My navy separates from the Uniqlo  men's department with a high heeled sandal? It's not clear.

But my money is on makeup, glamour, and fa-shun, honey.

Because next year at this time, there will be another Thanksgiving. And I'm hoping we are all going to celebrate with our families and loved ones the way it's meant to be. And there will be parties for Christmas, and yes, there will be sparkly moments to celebrate. And there will be a President in the White House who loves dogs. And people. And I'm guessing- the holidays. Today I warmed my spirit with some classic house music. While I was home alone with the dog looking on. I need fun in a BIG WAY. I'm not ok without fun. Who is really? Fetch me a dopamine release. Or is that what online shopping is now?

On that note,  as the sales permeated by feed, I purchased pajamas. Three pairs of pajamas. That's how I roll right now. I don't have my eye on a shoe or a handbag or even a dress. I only wish to buy pajamas. What does that say about these strange days? Also, we got a Nespresso machine. I'm not sure about it. Why is it so whipped? Is that normal? It vexes me and I'm not sure why.

I guess we all just have to make the best of it. Thank God for "The Crown." Thank the Lord for strong coffee and mid-afternoon music breaks and cauliflower rice. Weird I know, but I literally make it with everything. I'm thankful for my bubble of sorts. I'm also grateful for Trump leaving office. It's time. GTFO. I'm also thankful that we left our old apartment to live in this sweet building. What a blessing. And obviously, for my health and the health of my loved ones. Oh and lest you think I'm ridiculous to complain, I know how lucky I am. But I'm Jewish and complaining is my birthright. And if there was ever a time to kvetch...

Because coming to a terms with a rather strange holiday season has me feeling blue. I'm missing all of you and missing my upcoming traditions- no Sandra Bernhard at the holidays, followed by our annual dinner at Indochine. No dinners to celebrate friendships. Some window shopping, most likely but not a ton of bopping about in stores. Besides, I'm shopping small and you should too. It's the right thing to do, and we both know it. SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS. FULL STOP. Ooh and on that note- another trend I predict for 2021. The little engines that could are going to win. Think people taking care of their communities, digging into their neighborhoods, and supporting mom and pop shops in an effort to heal. A sort of new hyperlocalism/bubble culture while we all continue to feel a bit shy about traveling?

Last year, at this time, I was sitting in my new apartment, surrounded by boxes,  packing for a trip to Jamaica. What a difference a year makes. These days, it's hard enough to just focus on what's immediately in front of you. But I believe we all need something to look forward to and dream, dream, dream. 

But for now, I'll enjoy a few days off. And fantasize about wearing something silky with a bold lip and hitting the town and eventually getting on a plane and traveling again. Hoping your weekend is all about being very present and grateful but also allowing a little room to dream, darlings. We must.

Cause that's what's up this Thanksgiving Thursday in the lovely borough of BK. Yours, in tryptophan and trying to stay positive. Eat the dessert tonight, ps. Live a little. XO