Thankful, Not Just Full

By Samantha Sizemore

In November 1621, Pilgrims and Native Americans gathered in Plymouth, Massachusetts, put aside their differences and celebrated a successful harvest with a feast. They reflected on the hardships and losses they had suffered throughout the year, coming together to share food, peace, and most importantly, gratitude. This feast is remembered as the first Thanksgiving: a day of unity and appreciation for what they had even after enduring so much.

Over the years, Thanksgiving has evolved into something much bigger. Having begun as a simple day of expressing gratitude, Thanksgiving has turned into a holiday focused on football, frantic shopping, and of course, food. While many of us still gather around the table to share a meal filled with delicious plates like turkey and pie, the purpose of Thanksgiving can sometimes get lost within the noise of modern traditions.

For countless families, Thanksgiving is a time for taking a break from their daily lives to share a big meal with loved ones. It’s one of the few times a year when families really come together. These parts of the holiday can be heartwarming and filled with joy; however, they can also be stressful as people juggle expectations for the holiday. From long road trips to endless cooking and crowded tables, it’s easy to forget the “thanks” part of Thanksgiving. 

Then comes Black Friday, a day dedicated to the takeover of consumer culture and shopping that often overshadows the gratuitous spirit that started the week until it eventually fades completely. Stores open earlier and earlier every year, majority of them have even begun to open Thanksgiving night. What used to be a quiet day of rest  and reflection has turned into a rush for sales and deals. While there is nothing wrong with a good bargain or sale, it’s the peaceful spirit of  gratitude that gets buried under the pressure to buy more and the violent culture that is the problem. The shift from giving thanks and appreciation to money reflects how much Thanksgiving has changed. 

Still, underneath all the distractions and traditions, Thanksgiving remains a rare day to pause and to consider what really matters. It’s a reminder that gratitude doesn’t have to be grand or loud, but rather, gratitude is about appreciating everything you have been blessed with, including the people in your life. Taking the time to notice and appreciate these small blessings helps to bring back the original spirit of the holiday. When we focus less on what is missing and more on what is already there, Thanksgiving becomes more meaningful than any sale or side dish could ever be. 

So before you grab a slice of pie or rush to the mall, take a moment to say thank you, to others and yourself. The simple acts of gratitude are what Thanksgiving has always been about.