(Strip Number 6004, Original Publication Date, 25 November 1981)
Panel 1: As a smiling John looks on, Mike opens a package and says "Wow!! Neat! It's my uniform!!" As he does so, hundreds of people are trying to figure out why he's so pumped because Lynn forgot that the Pattersons don't get done with hockey until Elly protests the new rink because the coaches play favorites.
Panel 2: He next tells Ma and Lizzie to look at his team sweater; it should be noted that his team is sponsored by Klotz Automotive. This is important because fifteen or so years later, Gordo buys him out and starts to assimilate Milborough's business district.
Panel 3: As his parents' silhouettes look on, Mike smiles and says "Hello, hockey team."
Panel 4: Elly's reaction to Mike and John's enthusiasm is to morosely thought-bubble "Goodbye, weekends."
Summary: Sadly, we get to the real reason why Elly says "No" to her children all the time: she'd rather they miss out on things that they'd like to do than have to give up the time she squanders gossiping and forcing them to live her life for her. The Lynnsight will make THAT clear.
ETA: What's equally clear is that Lynn will never admit that Canada and the States do not celebrate Thanksgiving on the same day. She seems to live in fear of confusing and frightening her fanbase by, well, reminding them that the world is not America.
