The height of the fall season is upon us. The leaves are changing, the pumpkin spice lattes are flowing, and the smell of bonfires invades entire neighborhoods. After articulate costume planning, the excitement of Halloween comes and goes. Each person has been left costume-less and full of candy. As the month of October draws to a close and the fall months move forward, a collective mindset shift brings to mind thoughts of Christmas and the holiday season.
However, an important factor is normally disregarded in this holiday excitement. More often than not, this mindset shift completely glances over Thanksgiving. This national holiday, situated between Halloween happenings and Christmas festivities, does not get the special time to shine in the spotlight that it deserves in the calendar year.
A part of the uniqueness that this holiday brings to the table is that it is universal across this country. Thanksgiving is a national holiday. It is not based on religious practices and preferences, or gender, or ethnicity roots. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the good we have in our lives as well as a time to celebrate the "melting pot" that is the United States of America. It is a time for people from all walks of life and from all backgrounds to come together to enjoy the presence of family and friends in our great nation.
Thanksgiving is a time to honor traditions. During Thanksgiving dinner, family members boast their perfected dinner and dessert recipes, uncles and brothers shout at the refs on TV during the NFL football game, you may question why you're still seated at the kids' table, and reminiscing on some great times together occurs throughout the night. For me, my dad and I venture in the morning to see the Thanksgiving Day Parade in center city Philadelphia.
Part of the continuation of this disregard stems from marketing departments of several stores and major companies. As soon as the calendar strikes Nov. 1, you're guaranteed to pass artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, or light decorations while strolling down store aisles. Several FM radio stations have already begun playing Christmas music on Nov. 20. These advertisements partially have to do with the materialistic motives of money-hungry companies. I love Christmas as much (if not more) than the next person, but that season should not rule the scene from Nov. 1 to the big day on Dec. 25.
During those 55 days between Halloween and Christmas Day, there is a special time to spend quality time with loved ones and give thanks. Give thanks for those who care for you, give thanks for a job, for the roof over your head and for the food continually on your table. During the month of November, remember to slow down to smell the turkey -- Thanksgiving is still a holiday, too!
