Th*nk*ng (ICONS)

Fred Cederholm

I’ve been thinking about icons. Actually I’ve been thinking about hosts/hostesses, Thanksgiving, the economy/ jobs, concessions, Twinkies, unions, changes, and growing up in the Midwest. This is a week of reflections. In the US, we set aside a special day for giving thanks, for spending time with family and friends, and for gluttony. Where else, but in the US, would we devote a holiday centered on consumption, watching football, and conversation? Thanksgiving begins the end of year holiday season. It used to be the day before the shopping season kicks off on “Black Friday.”  Now the spending/ sales frenzy has moved up to include the pre-week sales which seem to be occurring everywhere this year. This is not a surprise as over 40% of the year’s sales are made in the weeks before Christmas. We are beckoned with “come check out the bargains,” the sales, and the new products. Bring your plastic!!! CHARGE… You see it can be argued that the reflections on our many blessing have been super-ceded but us getting out there and shopping — such is the new American way! I have always bucked the trend as I try to give things that I have made for the people I love. I also cook, bake, and buy cases of wine… the “Beaujolais Nouveau” for distribution to friends and family.

Sure I save a good deal of money by making the stuff, but to me this is more meaningful, and the recipients seem to appreciate what I make/ bake for them. Besides, I really have no little kids to buy for.

Thanksgiving 2012 should prove interesting to watch, the elections are over… candidates have no reason to “gild the lily” of the economy, and believe me, there is more than enough in concerns hanging over our heads.

Since the elections, there have been daily announcements of employment cut backs presented. Workers are being asked to accept cut backs in benefits, and in wages. Who wants to tighten their belts for the holidays? THAT seems Un-American!
Some of the announcements have hit me harder than others. The biggest shock to my system came in the announcement from the Hostess Brands. The company has been in financial trouble for some time now which is a shock since they are the makers of Wonder Bread, Hostess Cupcakes, Ding-Dongs, and Twinkies. Their products are still selling well ($2.5 BILLION a year), but their costs of production have been killing them. I grew up on this “stuff.” Usually my mother greeted me when I came home from school with one of the Hostess made goodies and a glass of milk, or mug of cocoa. Ah to be a kid again and not worry about sugar levels… Hostess had successfully negotiated with over a dozen of their unions to get concessions that were needed to save the company. The bakers’ union did not buy into the package so it was just announced that the company would close and be liquidated. 18,000 workers will lose their jobs.

Twinkies have a successful shelf life that makes other products pale in comparison, but the golden treats with the secret recipe have to be made first.

The announcement by the company has sent fans and snack lovers to the stores to load up on Hostess baked goodies — the going rate now on E-bay is $60.00 a case. My snacking days are over — under advice of my doctor; a treat is now a piece of fruit, or a small tub of yogurt… BAH HUMBUG!!!

Last Christmas was the first one in 50 plus years that I had not bought/ eaten a WHOLE two pound box of Fannie Mae chocolates all by myself!!!

There were no Frango Mints, but then, Marshall Fields is no more either (and I just can’t get that that excited about Macy’s). Uncle Mistletoe and Aunt Holly are still with us —after a fashion, but the red bags of Macy’s do not stir my soul like the dark green boxes and bags of Marshall Field and Company.

I am very fortunate to have family and friends as a big part of my celebration(s). The basics of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, scalloped corn, cranberries, and pumpkin pie will be savored with relish—as they always have been. Then… it will be finding a spot on the carpet in their den to “wrack out” and watch the football games. This year I could not even tell you who is playing where. The games are really unimportant as it is the camaraderie and conversation which is the real importance. I am glad (and grateful) that I am still alive and have lived to enjoy yet another Thanksgiving. I wish you and yours all the best! Bon appetite!!!I’m Fred Cederholm and I’ve been thinking. You should be thinking, too.

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