Thanksgiving 2020

Each year I invite an author to share Thanksgiving thoughts. This year, my dear friend author Elyssa Friedland joins us. And, she basically says how we are all feeling at Thanksgiving this year!

Thankful by Elyssa Friedland 

Scientists, cell phones and cake. What do these three things have in common? These are the three things I’m most thankful for this holiday season.

I know I should say I’m most grateful for my family. We are all healthy and together. But I’ve never been one for cliches and I don’t plan to start this holiday season. And, if I’m honest, I’d really be happy for some alone time right about now. My teenage son is only in school twice a week, which is about as often as he showers, so draw your own conclusions. My younger son is learning the recorder on his home school days and, spoiler alert, he’s not talented. And my middle daughter insisted we get a dog that no one takes care of but me. But I digress… Back to my gratitude list.

Scientists. At the time I’m writing this, there are THREE amazing vaccines going into production. This timeline is record-breaking by a mile. These geniuses have worked twenty-four hours a day to save our lazy souls and I am filled with so much appreciation and admiration I could burst. I used to fantasize about Jon Hamm, but now I just picture men and women in white coats working in labs and it’s a way more effective fantasy. I cannot wait for the day I get that needle in my arm. Remember to toast these hard-working scientists at your Covid-safe, Zoom-only Thanksgiving dinners.

Cell phones. I used to describe myself as an extrovert-introvert. The pandemic showed me I’m basically only introverted when I shower. I crave people. I long for conversation. I might complain about having to go to parties, but take them away from me, and I swear all I want to do is dance all night long. In this period of isolation, I have never felt more grateful for my cell phone. Facetiming and texting my friends has kept me sane and laughing. A special shout-out to my friends who send the best memes my way… that certain well-endowed guy never gets old. You all know who I’m talking about.

Cake. Never underestimate the power of butter and sugar in elevating your mood. During the pandemic I went from a two desserts a week person to a nightly treat. I have zero regrets about this. I’d rather gain the Covid-19 then lose my mind 19 times a day. And the extra calories are boosting my serotonin and keeping my mouth busy when I might otherwise be yelling at those around me. My favorite binges have been chocolate babka, Betty Crocker mixes and apple pies. Would love to hear what you’re all eating in the comments below.

I wish everyone a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving filled with strong wi-fi, wine and turkey. Take a moment to think about the things you are most thankful for and, please, no guilt if it’s Netflix.

Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Elyssa Friedland

Elyssa Friedland’s next book is Last Summer at the Golden Hotel.  This fabulous novel will publish May 18, 2021 from Berkley Publishing. If you like Mrs. Maisel (and who doesn’t?), you will LOVE this novel! Pre-order it here *

A family reunion for the ages when two clans convene for the summer at their beloved getaway in the Catskills—perfect for fans of Dirty Dancing and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel—from the acclaimed author of The Floating Feldmans.

In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than sixty years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for well-heeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late?

Long-buried secrets emerge, new dramas and financial scandal erupt, and everyone from the traditional grandparents to the millennial grandchildren wants a say in the hotel’s future. Business and pleasure clash in this fast-paced, hilarious, nostalgia-filled story, where the hotel owners rediscover the magic of a bygone era of nonstop fun even as they grapple with what may be their last resort.

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