Plenty of reasons exist not to buy into the whole Thanksgiving hubbub. The now debunked origin story of 1621 for one.
Its seems that the day is slowly being rebranded, reclaimed, and rethought. Those are good things.
People are finally accepting that what we were taught about the joy of the pilgrims and Indians breaking bread together is just another one of the white man’s lies. Many see celebrating Thanksgiving as a hypocrisy because of the oppression and genocide of these Native people by the colonists.
Historians and the like have documented Native Americans having harvest festivals long before the colonists had their celebration in Plymouth, Mass., in 1621.
A harvest festival, now that is something I can get behind. Even though we have food in grocery stores year-round, out of season from what can be grown locally, celebrating those who grow our food is worthy of acknowledging at least once a year.
I can also support thanks giving as two words with a little t and little g.
I’m pretty sure we can all take more time to be thankful for what we have. Thankful for people in our lives. Thankful for a roof over our heads. Thankful for food in the kitchen. Thankful for clothes on our backs. Thankful for so many things we probably take for granted.
One of my issues with big T Thanksgiving is that we seem to forget the words “thanks” and “giving” in our celebrations. I know I can do better.
Thank you for giving me this opportunity to give thanks to you for being part of my world.
Well said and great perspective. Here is my first “thanks” of the day: I am thankful for you being in my life !!!
Oh, you phrased that so beautifully. I wholeheartedly agree with it all. Especially the ‘thanks for being in my life’ part. :)
Wonderful essay. Some years ago I started to wonder why Thanksgiving is such a powerful holiday. I came to the conclusion that two streams feed into it, both important. Harvest festivals go way back and are celebrated by people all over the world. In addition, we are reminded of the importance of gratitude for the good things in our lives.
Hope you have a fine Thanksgiving!
Well said, Kae.
As usual, you find a way to express a new perspective on something old and often taken for granted. I am grateful for all the things you mentioned. I am grateful you are a part of my life.
Joann
Thank you Kae. Just thanking our friends, loved ones and all people who help us through this journey of life grants us the opportunity to feel the “giving”.