Remembering the meaning of Thanksgiving

When you think of November, most often the first thing you think of is Thanksgiving. The amazing and wholesome bounty of food, being surrounded by family, and the football games tend to be the highlight although conversation at the dinner table can vary (*cough election season) but it’s important to remember the true purpose of this holiday: showing gratitude for the things you have in life. The first key piece of Thanksgiving I see comes from the historical aspect of the holiday. In elementary school, almost every child hears the story that took place between the Pilgrims and Native Americans. The two parties of people came together for a grand feast which largely has symbolized cooperation in a time when cultural differences were often hostile. This unification can be seen in how we gather with large groups of people to share the meal.
Often many people contribute to make it a success and it shows how the modern day connects to the past. The second piece I see relates to how each and every one of us takes some things for granted. Some people’s families having Thanksgiving traditions that are centered around food . Lefse making which is common in the northern US is common but the annual activity my family participates in is a little different. During big Thanksgiving dinners, my family and I write down things we appreciate on little pieces of paper. Keeping it anonymous, we fold and put the little notes into a bowl. Later, after finishing the meal, we pass the bowl around the table and one by one, we open each note read them out loud. Some of them are serious and others are silly but in the end this tradition my family has always seems to spawn great stories and conversation. Some of the funny notes are identifiable and it’s a little competition to try and figure out who wrote what first. My
family tends to be competitive so it often sparks friendly banter. Besides just being a fun tradition, it gives us a chance to consciously think about all the things we have to be thankful for in our lives. With all the chaos that life brings, things like running water and electricity that most of us don’t even think of as being that significant usually go unnoticed and unappreciated. Modern conveniences didn’t always exist and not everyone has access to them. We should really take the time to consider everything we have to be thankful for this November. The big things like family and friends are important, but little things are also important. I’m truly thankful my family has participated in this tradition. It’s given me an opportunity to take a step back and consider all things in life that make my life what it is. Remember to put away your phone this Thanksgiving and take time to show some gratitude and appreciate for those who surround you.