If we take the time to lay it on the line akin to the lyrics in the Guns ’N’ Roses song November Rain, we’ll be way too full to go walkin’ in the rain following Thanksgiving dinner. It is the Meal of the Year and never comes in a Limited Edition. By the time we’ve finished feasting we’ll have likely eaten an entire week’s grocery list.
Thus be thankful that if those clothes fit a little too snug it’s because we’ve had enough to eat. And cleaning up the mess just means we’ve been surrounded by friends.
Here are our choices for shopping, dining and entertainment that will translate into long-term memories filled with copious amounts of food and fun — Gobble, Gobble:
3 Get in the holiday mood during the Denver Assistance League lunches, brunches and boutique shopping events to raise funds and open the festive season in the Bosworth House, Nov. 5-9. Information: 303-322-5205.
3 Volunteer to participate in the annual Thanksgiving Outreach to feed the homeless downtown Nov. 8, noon-6 p.m. Information: 303-893-8363.
3 Enjoy a bit of holiday history during Living History Day at Four Mile Historic Park Nov. 9, noon-3 p.m. Pan for gold, sample a treat cooked on a wood stove, take a horse-drawn wagon ride. Information: 720-865-0800.
3 Rock into the season by viewing photos of the Legends Of Rock at the Robert Anderson Gallery, Nov. 14-Jan. 3. Information: 303-388-1332.
3 Go holiday styling to the VOA fashion lunch honoring Mariel’s Denise Snyder at the Pinnacle Club Nov. 14, 11 a.m. Information: 720-264-3333.
3 Celebrate a luscious Thanksgiving dinner with roasted turkey and six other choices at the Monaco Inn, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Information: 303-320-1104.
3 Here’s a brilliant idea, see stunning jewelry by Cartier on display in the Denver Art Museum, Nov. 16-March 15. Information: 720-865-5000.
3 Sample French wines, entrees and desserts plus music during Beaujolais & Beyond at McNichols Nov. 20, 5:30 p.m. Information: 720-443-1763.
3 Viewing the dazzling decor during the annual L’Esprit de Noel holiday home tour and Marche de Noel is always a Valley holiday highlight. Presented by the Central City Opera Guild, this year’s event tours five homes in the Glenmoor Country Club Nov. 14-15, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There’s a patron party in the clubhouse Nov. 13, 6-9 p.m. Tickets are available at all King Soopers. Information: 303-292-6500, ext. 114.
Out of all the holidays, Thanksgiving is particularly steeped in tradition. It is about remembering the kindness of strangers, unforgettable acts of generosity, hilarious tales of cooking misadventures. It’s nice to think back on memories that put a smile on our face: Mom’s stuffing, the elegant wine and above all lump-free mashed potatoes.
It is a time to enjoy festive tablecloths, decorations and irresistible aromas in a home filled with food and spices and particularly the laughter of family and friends.
Ah, those aromas: Turkey, cranberries, candied yams, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. But a life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks. Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your good fortune. May you be blessed with family, friends and fond memories this Thanksgiving.
— Glen Richardson