Thanksgiving is a tradition unique to America’s culture and people. It is a time when everyone puts all else aside and just has a great dinner and conversation with immediate or extended family. We forget about the bad in life and focus on the things that we all have, and even the things that we forget, to be thankful for.
Since Halloween has just ended, many people want to hop right into the Christmas season. I know just as much as the next person that Christmas is a fun time that also emphasizes the importance of those who are like family to you.
However, why does it feel like we never give Thanksgiving the time of day?
Personally, it is one of my favorite holidays, as it just gives us the opportunity to think about all of the blessings that we have from our health, chance for education, or friends and family. Why would we want to pass such a nice, wholesome holiday?
I know that part of the reason is because Christmas starts getting marketed to the public right away to maximize sales. Additionally, people just have a genuine love of Christmas. Come on, though, there are many reasons to be just as hype for Thanksgiving.
First off, the food. Is it even a question? When else in the whole year do you see your family so concerned about how dinner is going to turn out? When else do you start preparing for dinner right after breakfast? Your family makes sure there is something and everything for everyone, and as the years go on, the food just seems to get better and better. Then, can we give a round of applause to the moment we’ve all been waiting for?
The turkey.
Next, the conversation with friends and family. Now that I am away at college, I appreciate being able to see my extended family even more. I know that I will only be able to see them on holidays, so I want to catch them up on important things, along with learning what’s new with them. I see my little cousins growing up and it just reminds me how fast time is going.
Also, nothing goes better with dessert than some family drama and telling funny stories.
Finally, after all that good food accompanied by good people, you are ready for the best nap of the year. You are stuffed in the most pleasing of ways and start to get sleepy. You go to bed freshly reminded of all the blessings and goodness that you have in your life, even when we’re all guilty of forgetting a lot of them most of the time.
That’s why I believe we need to focus more on the amazing holiday of Thanksgiving. Everything in life is what you make of it and I don’t want Thanksgiving to be anything less than love and joy.
I hope you have a terrific Thanksgiving weekend and meal for whatever you end up doing.