Merry Thanksgiving! Christmas creep started early this year the day after Halloween. Known as the “pandemic pick-me-up,” putting up Christmas decorations earlier than usual is not just an American phenomenon. Christmas decor is flying off the shelves in Europe too. Psychologists call it “savoring.” Rushing Christmas is a way to connect with feelings of good times full of excitement and magic. Anticipating the holidays extends the euphoria. And in such a horrible year as 2020, we need a little Christmas like Auntie Mame in the musical Mame, who loses all her wealth in the stock market crash in October of 1929. Her response to financial ruin is a snappy tune by Jerry Herman:

I have always loved Thanksgiving. I love that it is a holiday built around a full table and homemade treats. I love the recipes handed down on index cards that only get made once a year, traditions that bring back childhood memories, the chance to use linen napkins, and the idea that sitting around a table—just sitting around a table—is reason enough celebrate.

(found at gimmesomeoven.com, slightly adjusted) INGREDIENTS: 3-4 tablespoons butter 4 eggs, beaten (use less or none if you don’t like eggs) 1/2 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced (optional) 1 white onion, diced 2 carrots, diced (peel, if you prefer) 3 garlic cloves, minced 1/2 cup peas (frozen or fresh, not canned) 4 cups white rice, chilled (short grain, preferred) 3 green onions, thinly sliced 4 tablespoons soy sauce (may need more) 2 teaspoons oyster sauce (optional) 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil (a must) Salt and pepper to taste DIRECTIONS: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until melted. Add egg, and cook until scrambled, stirring occasionally.

LADY CAT MADDIE SPENCE (10) FIGHTS FOR THE BALL LADY CAT MATTIE BOYD DRIVES IN FOR THE SHOT IN CANADIAN’S BIG WIN OVER THE PLAINVIEW LADY RAIDERS ON FRIDAY LADY CAT TINLEY PENNINGTON (20) CARVES A PATH DOWNCOURT JV LADY CAT TANA DAVIS(14) UNDER THE BUCKET JV LADY CAT ELLA WALSER (20) MAKES THE LAYUP LADY WILDCAT BASKETBALL PHOTOS BY ALAN HALE (ALAN79014.SMUGMUG.COM).