A reader from Atlanta
Rating:
5 / 5
I have just discovered this very charming book The Thanksgiving Ceremony. In these extraordinary times "new traditions for America's Family Feast" is a glowing jewel. I am reminded that "it" is not about polished silver, starched linens, the right amount of sage in the stuffing, the side dishes, desserts or wine selections, who gets to carve, and whether or not you-know-who will embarrass everyone. "It" is about our past and our future, fellowship, commitment, joy, perseverance and progress. And about faithful thanksgiving - every day.
Thank you - Ed Bleier - for writing this book. Our family will read it together on Thanksgiving Day.
THE GREAT AMERICAN TRADITION
Rating:
5 / 5
In many ways, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. Even though retailers are now jumpstarting Christmas even before Halloween, Thanksgving is still the true kickoff to the Holiday season.
Our traditions of turkey, pumpkin pie, football, family, christmas movies on TV and music on the radio are all a part of the wonderful Thanksgiving tradition. I suppose one of the great things about Thanksgiving is the many different ways that its celebrated regionally and family to family, as we all have our unique traditions that we uphold.
Mr. Bleier's book begins with an excellent history of the holiday, detailing not only the Pilgrims landing in Plymouth, but the reasons why they came, the people who came BEFORE they did, as well as how native Americans felt about the Pilgrims.
You'll know some of this history but I can guarantee much of it you will be reading for the very first time!
Mr. Bleier provides the inspiration that makes the Thanksgiving holiday so fun and meangingful in poems, songs, and stories. The book give us pause to remember what this great holiday is all about.
A focused, dignified and meaningful Thanksgiving
Rating:
5 / 5
Celebrated New York Times columnist William Safire, in his foreward to Edward Bleier' "The Thanksgiving Ceremony"
writes "a holiday should have a focus... that reminds us why we celebrate it"... This book does just that.It tells us the history of Thanksgiving, the why, the when, the where ( I did not know it is celebrated in 7 other countries!) and, most importantly , it gives us a very original and moving ceremony to be read aloud by all the guests- youngsters and adults- at the Thanksgiving table. This is a very inclusive and lovely new tradition which I cannot wait to use at our own Thanksgiving next Thursday. We'll be14 this year and I got 14 books... one for each guest. We'll sing some of the songs and read some of the poems also included in the book; this should add joy and spirituality to the feast. Thank you Mr Bleier for giving focus, dignity and new meaning to my favorite Holiday!
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