Why Thanksgiving is Important

 

        Over the years I've noticed that that Thanksgiving is slowly being erased. I started noticing it many years ago when the Christmas music started playing the day after Halloween. To this day hearing the Peanuts theme and It's a Marshmallow World make me want to curl up in a ball and rock back and forth. 

        I've noticed that Thanksgiving decorations are no longer being displayed. I can understand some of this. Pilgrim and Native American pictures that used to pop up around Thanksgiving time could be considered offensive given the nation's history with Indigenous people. There are plenty of other decorations that would be just fine. Pumpkins, cornucopias and harvest style decorations would certainly be appropriate and not offensive.

        Black Friday started creeping up. At first it was the Friday after Thanksgiving. Then it was very early in the morning of the Friday after Thanksgiving. Now those sales are advertised the week while the stores may not be open on the holiday, the internet sites are.

        Thanksgiving is important and I feel like we miss out when it isn't celebrated. Here are a few reasons why I think it is important to observe Thanksgiving.

        It is an opportunity to get together with people you are about. That may be your family, it may be close friends, it may be only you and your significant other. You can spend time eating maybe watching football or parades or doing other things that you all enjoy doing.

        Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday. It is a day of gratitude which can extend to those who practice religious faiths and those who do not.

        It is mostly about food. The traditional being turkey and sides like mashed potatoes or dressing. It doesn't have to be turkey. It could be a roast, pizza, lasagna, assorted ethnic foods or snacking throughout the day. It can be whatever you and your guests want.

        The most important reason is to take the time to be grateful. Even if your life has been hard there must be at least one thing, however small, for which you are grateful. I've read lots of articles about how expressing gratitude is good for us. It boosts happiness, self esteem and lowers stress. It has physical benefits too like better sleep, lower blood pressure and stronger immunity. 

        Before we rush into the season of giving and getting, shouldn't we pause for one day and be grateful for the things and people and circumstances we have? I don't think it's asking too much.