Halloween has just happened, and many people are pulling out the Christmas decorations. There seems to be a distinct divide between people who celebrate Thanksgiving, and those who skip right to Christmas. I understand why people love Christmas – the lights, the gift-giving, sipping on hot cocoa – but Thanksgiving has importance too.
Similar to many other holidays, Thanksgiving stems from our past. Though not historically accurate, Native Americans and British colonists shared food with each other in order to survive the harsh winters, and become more accustomed to their new neighbors. This act of coming together represents so much of American history – not only from our Native American allies, but as colonists that eventually banded together and left the British Empire in search of freedom for “We the People.” Nowadays, the focus is on what new balloons will march down the Macy’s Day Parade, and what NFL teams will be playing against each other as we fill our plates with turkey and stuffing.
Many people forget that Thanksgiving’s importance lies not within the food we are eating, but with the people who sit next to us. I enjoy getting the chance to have a day where I can be with family I don’t see that often, and have the chance to talk about what’s going on in their lives, and my own. I have countless memories from past Thanksgivings that I hold close to my heart today. These people influenced who we are, and for me, that’s the real magic of Thanksgiving.
Christmas may hold similar ideas as we join together and give gifts to loved ones, but Thanksgiving is really about the interactions we have with each other, and of course, eating lots of food. So, as you pull out those dusty boxes filled with Christmas lights and decorations, think for a moment about the holiday you’re skipping over, and maybe this year be “thankful,” and hang up a couple of cornucopias instead.