Thanksgiving: Out-Take

Right now, I have a Thanksgiving article up at Christianity Today. And I wanted to share an out-take from the piece. It was a small section on how we might incorporate the Jewish harvest festivals of Passover, Shavuot and Sukkot into our modern Thanksgiving celebrations.

And though the section didn't make it into the article, it's going to make it into the Barkat day. We already know who's going to wave the lulav. A basket is being made ready, as are our voices to recite the Psalms. Here's what the article originally said...

To round out our celebrations, we might decide to incorporate some meaningful symbols: honey cakes and milk, flat loaves and fat loaves, an evergreen branch to wave through the air, a basket into which we put fruit with a silent recognition of both a joy and a sorrow we bring to the day. (Last year, I tried some Sukkot ideas at Christmas and the other day my youngest daughter was fondly remembering the symbols and the ceremony). Along with this, we might read the Hallel, that group of Psalms traditionally recited at festivals; interspersed throughout the meal, this could be a special way to acknowledge and invite God into the celebration...

Judging by my little daughter’s avid memory of Sukkot last Christmas, such ritual is recommended.

For more thoughts on Thanksgiving in general and for a peek into others' traditions, check out the Seedlings Thanksgiving Celebration.









Doll's Sukkah by Sara. Full size Sukkah from natural materials, by Kids 'n Mind homeschool group. Photos by L.L. Barkat.

Change the World in 5 Minutes?

Check out this very cool video.

Little people using small bits of time, to make big changes.

My kind of activism.


thanks to High Calling Blogs for the video tip off

Nine-Patch Togetherness

Last year, we began a new tradition… making quilt squares on the days we’re together for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Each family member, even the kids 8 and up made a nine-patch square, then embroidered his/her name or initials and the date on the square.

It was amazing how much talk this activity inspired. Both serious and hilarious. Also, the weaving of stories and dreams. And of course we won’t forget how one family member accidentally fooled another by calling “applique” by the term “applecakes.” Soon the other member was asking how he should do his “applecakes.” Enduring family joke now.

We figure the quilt might be ready by the time we have grandchildren. But more than that we figure this is a way to come together that completely rivals going shopping or watching TV. Besides, as Richard Restak points out in Mozart's Brain and the Figher Pilot, handwork is extremely good for the brain.

So we're getting set to pursue a little good-for-the-heart-and-brain-nine-patch togetherness again for the holidays this year. Maybe I should make a real apple cake for the occasion.


Thanks for the tip on Make Something Day, from Random Acts of Poetry: Prepare Your Mind With Culture and Poetry



Do you have something you'd like to share about Thanksgiving? Join us for a Thanksgiving Celebration. Christianity Today and High Calling Blogs will link to the celebration too, so multiple communities can enjoy the posts. What a feast we shall have!