November 1st: All Souls Day, or simply just the day after Halloween for most (or in my case the day I stock up on all my favorite candy because it's half-off people!). For most of corporate, consumeristic America, however, this day cues businesses across the country to stock up their shelves and stuff store windows with Christmas paraphernalia. Of course not to be forgotten are the Christmas tunes and jingles that are set on repeat until December 26th on essentially every single radio station across the continental United States. The endless droning of these poor, tired songs is, needless to say, my favorite part of the consumer-Christmas take over--not! In the words of my dear mama, "If Thanksgiving was a person, it would need counseling!", and mamas are always right! A day that celebrates America, the brave pilgrims who sought out new lives here, and all we have to be so thankful for has turned into nothing more than an excuse to have a "stock up for Christmas sale." Now more than ever we have to get back to our Turkey Day roots.
We Owe It to the Pilgrims
It goes without saying this beautiful nation we call home would be non-existent without the brave pilgrims, much less Thanksgiving itself. The passengers of the Mayflower and other such ships came to America seeking refuge from religious intolerance, oppressive governments, and to establish a new life they could enjoy. With that in mind, it is fair to say that most of us would most likely not be here without the voyage of these ventures and others like them. The concept that lead the pilgrims to America is the very same principle that so many generations of immigrants have followed here. In short, these brave ventures are trend-setters, without whom my family certainly would not be in this great nation today.
We Owe It to Our Families
Thanksgiving is a time to be together. What is a day of thanks without those we love and cherish most to say "Thank you for being there!" to? I realize that some families may be closer than others or bigger than some, and that is okay. A Thanksgiving Day feast is not defined by the quantity of individuals around us, but by the quality of the company. As time marches on, family gatherings may grow smaller as some grow older and move away, or move on to their eternal resting place, as I watch my own family do. Such changes only add to the value of time with family and friends- a time that is the very core of Thanksgiving.
We Owe It to Ourselves
Human beings are social creatures; we are not meant to be alone. No chicken soup compares to the soul healing powers found in Thanksgiving Day gatherings with friends and family. As the years press on and we work tirelessly in school, our careers, or at keeping a family together and functioning, we all owe it to ourselves to sit back, take a breathe, and enjoy a well deserved day off without the pressure and stress of gift-giving. It is well deserved. This Thanksgiving, turn off the Christmas tunes- that are on way too early, forget Black Friday Sales, and just enjoy the day for what it is- a day of thanks, the people we love most, and of course, some great grub. Because what's Thanksgiving without a little overeating? Happy Thanksgiving friends!
