THANKSGIVING MEMORIES

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays of the year. No gift expectations. Family-oriented. Turkey and football. The beginning of the holidays. Parades. The cool, crisp weather.

Here are some Thanksgiving memories...

* The aroma of the turkey simmering overnight.

* High school football  Thanksgiving morning. Phoenixville vs Great Valley, then later, vs Spring -Ford.

* Thanksgiving Day parades- It used to be known as the Gimbels parade in Philadelphia. The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade always featured the huge floats, plus the first appearance of Santa Claus in the new holiday season.

* Pro football- The traditional games- the early noon game at Detroit, then the later game at Dallas. Now, they've added  night game on Thanksgiving. A full day of football after a full day of turkey.

* Family- Maybe you don't like some of the family who come out of the woodwork on Thanksgiving, but still it's a special time when everyone is together. How often do families all sit down and eat together at the same table at the same time?

You think of family members who are no longer around. You celebrate new babies, new married couples. There are no pressures of giving gifts. It's simply enjoying family, catching up, and giving thanks for all you have and share.

* Church- My Mom, although not required, always attended mass early on Thanksgiving morning. Isn't that the purpose? Giving thanks to God for all your blessings.

*Thanksgiving Dinner- It all starts with the turkey. I like the dark meat the most, especially the drumstick. Turkey is great for leftovers too. Nothing like a few pieces of turkey in  a sandwich, with a piece of lettuce.

Turkey is good for you too But, even though the leftovers are  great, you kind of get tired of turkey after a week or so. By Christmas roast beef looks pretty good.

But the best part of Thanksgiving dinner are the sides. Stuffing is fantastic, as long as it's not too dry or mushy. I can take or leave veggies (green beans seem popular around the holidays). Cranberry sauce is cooling and nice. A salad is optional, but olives are a must. Fruit is always around, especially apples and tangerines and grapes.

What about dessert? other than the traditional pumpkin pie, apple pie makes a great Thanksgiving dessert. Cherry or blueberry pies are great too. Not so much Christmas cookies yet.

*Thanksgiving movies- There aren't many out there, but the most popular has to be the Steve Martin- John Candy classic "Trains, Planes and Automobiles." Check it out if you haven't already. Some TV station should play that movie centered around Thanksgiving all day long, like they do "A Christmas Story."

* Black Friday- not only because of the sales- you can usually get great sales closer to Christmas- but Black Friday is crazy and fun. There's always one must-have item or toy every year, which people line up for early in the morning or even for days.

Most of all, after Thanksgiving Day, it's OK to start playing Christmas music , putting up decorations and getting into the holiday spirit. Parties abound, holiday concerts, TV shows and Christmas movies. It's a special time of the year, and it breaks you out of the doldrums of the routine, everyday regimen. Plus, kids are off school, vacations are planned and  there's always shopping. And this year we have the Eagles to watch and celebrate.

So, Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite holidays. It marks the start of more good times ahead. New Tear's signals a fresh start, a new beginning, but it also means the end of the holidays and a winter yet ahead of cold, snow and early darkness. Thanksgiving brings travel, hope and sharing good times with those you love.