Thanksgiving: It’s About What I Have

If Halloween is my least favorite holiday, Thanksgiving is my favorite. As the years go by, Thanksgiving becomes more important. I believe that giving thanks is an ongoing daily practice, and I also like the idea of pausing one special day and remembering the abundance I have.

I wasn’t so enamored with Thanksgiving growing up because no gifts or candy was associated even though it was a two-day holiday from school. I love to eat so all the food was fun. My mom’s orange-cranberry sauce was a special treat on that day. Otherwise, it was not that exciting.

Unlike other holidays, I had few rituals associated with my family and Thanksgiving. Since I have not lived in Iowa since early adulthood, going “home” for Thanksgiving was not something I did when Christmas took priority for travel. Most Thanksgivings have been with my chosen families (Friendsgiving) rather than my family of origin.

I am thankful for all the “families” I have. My most memorable Thanksgiving was in 2020 when my Estes Park friends designed a way to enjoy tasty food and fellowship without sitting inside in an environment that might spread COVID. We all brought a contribution to the meal, stayed outside to socialize and give thanks, and then each household took platefuls of food home for small gatherings.

That Covid-era Thanksgiving two years ago reminded me of Oprah Winfrey’s statement: “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

Thanksgiving Day in the US is surrounded by myths and different perceptions. For example, since 1970 Native Americans have gathered at noon in Plymouth, Massachusetts to commemorate a National Day of Mourning on the Thanksgiving holiday. The day of remembrance and spiritual connection is also a protest of the racism and oppression that Native Americans experienced after that first Thanksgiving. The Thanksgiving celebration does not have the same meaning for everyone.

In addition on Thanksgiving Day, I will feel sadness as I remember friends who were alive last November but will leave empty seats at their families’ meals this year. Gratitude, however, involves a conscious choice made even during sorrow.

I look forward to Thanksgiving Day and to all the emotions it generates. I am grateful to write this blog. I am grateful for you, my readers, who follow me regularly and/or just occasionally. Happy Thanksgiving!