Monthly Archives: November 2012

Thanksgiving in the US

Although many cultures give thanks for things like a successful harvest, the United States and Canada have made it a formal holiday. In Canada it is always celebrated on the second Monday in October, and in the US it’s always the fourth Thursday in November. It is traditionally a time when family and friends gather for a huge meal, that often includes turkey with stuffing, sweet potatoes, and cranberries in various forms. Pumpkin pie is often the dessert. It is not an occasion for gift giving, although if you are going to someone else’s home for the celebration a gift for your host is a good idea.

Thanksgiving is considered the beginning of the “holiday season” that continues through New Year’s Day on January first. The day after Thanksgiving is known as “Black Friday” when stores try to lure in customers with huge sales on items for holiday gift-giving. (This year many stores will be open on Thanksgiving, but most places are closed that day.)

Thanksgiving has been an official holiday in the United States since 1863.

For more information about Thanksgiving, go to http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/thanksgiving-day.

Winter Driving

Well, the first snow is here, and yeah, sure, it’s pretty. But don’t forget how difficult it can be to get used to driving in snowy conditions. It takes longer to stop and start moving, but don’t just push harder on the brakes or the gas, because that can make you ‘fishtail’ out of control. Press on the brakes and the gas lighter than usual and the car will stay in control.

If you do start to skid, don’t panic! Keep steering your wheels in the way you want to go and try to gradually get control back.

Everyone needs to be safely buckled in, of course, as always. Keep extra gloves and blankets in the car in case you do get stuck and have to wait for help. If you’re going to be driving a longer distance, be sure you have an emergency kit that includes a can for melting snow to drink, flares to get attention, and other items. You can get a terrific checklist for what to include at http://www.co.carver.mn.us/departments/PH/docs/Car_Emergency_Kit_Checklist.pdf

Basically, when driving in the winter, give yourself extra time to start and to stop, and remember – the person in the other car is probably not paying attention to the road conditions, so be prepared for them to make a mistake.

Drive safely and enjoy that beautiful snow!