This time of year is especially challenging for many people because of poverty, the possible loss of a family member or even just not wanting to overeat. But I’ve found that Thanksgiving is challenging for me because of the lack of real thanks actually being given.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I like Thanksgiving and it’s glorification of binge eating as much as the next gentleman/average American. I just think that we should really make an effort to THANK the people that give more than they get. It’s completely unimportant to me that Thanksgiving was about the Pilgrims and Native Americans coming together as one to kill a turkey and share smashed squash to symbolize their new-found “friendship.” Because we all know how that really ended; however, it is important to me that we remember WHY we tell that never-ending story. Because thanking those who help us even when we are not in need (or are in need, whatever works) is important.
I understand the whole importance of telling this heart-warming story of love and friendship to help kids learn. It’s the kind of stuff that kindergarten teachers would go on strike for. My point is, that’s not what Thanksgiving is about – it’s not even about the glorious and widely-accepted message that binge eating is okay (okay, maybe that’s part of it).
It’s about thanking those around us who show us what it is to be kind, generous, caring, loving and a true friend. It’s about showing those who protect us and our freedoms that they have not gone unnoticed, and we thank them for their bravery. It’s about accepting others as people and individuals and showing them that although they maybe different in belief, political view, gender, sexuality or even financial status, that they are the same as a human being. The basic principles and foundations of being a good human being that we as people so often forget, can be easily rebuilt and expressed on Thanksgiving.
This Thanksgiving, take a moment to express your gratitude to all those around you. Show those who you respect and look up to that you’re thankful for them.
I know, Thanksgiving is most certainly about having plate after plate of delicious food, but there’s more to it than that. It’s about really giving thanks to the ones who deserve it. So thanks, reader, for showing support and reading here.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
