revenge of the turkeys

"Meûx vaut tard que jha !"
(Charentais proverb. In French "Mieux vaut tard que jamais!", in English "Better late than never.")

Alright, alright, so somebody has to explain to me what Thanksgiving is about.
It's been four years since I met William, the American responsible for my Americanization (and evidentially, my boyfriend) or almost. And so, every year, although we mostly discuss over MSN and the phone during that period, I get to hear about the local festivities for Thanksgiving.
Generally, it's just me being overly happy because he has the day off. And other friends, as well. Quickly followed by sadness as I realize he'll still be away because he has to see family.

So here I am wondering what this holiday is about. I've heard rumors, I know it has something to do with Native Americans, and eating turkey, but I never really looked into it. Of course, there's Wikipedia (Wikipedia will either save or condemn the world). But I feel too lazy at times to look into Wikipedia.

And so every year I wish a happy Thanksgiving to Americans, and I have noticed it generally has something to do with eating a lot of food and getting drunk, as well as meeting your family. That is generally what we do for Christmas over here. Enlighten me. What is Thanksgiving to you? What does it exactly have to do with meeting your family and getting drunk? I thought you guys celebrated St. Patrick's for that.

And then, there's the Turkey Pardoning. I say those poor turkeys should get more than just one lucky survivor. Every year, they must gather and wish each other a happy death, while they suspiciously look around trying to find out who will be the bastard to escape the knife this year. Those poor turkeys.

Anyway, happy (slightly late) Thanksgiving Americans, and hopefully, you didn't burst your stomachs out or pass out from alcohol abuse. You know who you are.

That said, that picture looks very yummy. I vote for a Thanksgiving celebration in France, or a return of Mardi Gras, old school style.