This Thursday, November 26, is Thanksgiving Day in the USA. Traditionally it’s a time to gather with family and friends to have a giant feast. With COVID19 restrictions, huge gatherings are not wise. So, how can we celebrate Thanksgiving?
Let’s pause and think about the reason for the holiday.
Is it an excuse for excessive eating and drinking (and football games) or a time to be grateful for family and friends, and the grace of God? Let’s ask ourselves what’s
really important. Is it the food, or taking time to be grateful?
What is the history of Thanksgiving? Was it at all like all
those images of “Pilgrims and Indians” sitting around a bountiful table after
the first harvest in Plymouth? Yes, and no.
In November of 1621 Governor William Bradford organized a
thanksgiving feast with some Native American allies. The Pilgrim chronicler
Edward Winslow states, “Our harvest being gotten in, our governor sent four men
on fowling, that so we might after a special manner rejoice together, after we
had gathered the fruits of our labors; they four in one day killed as much
fowl, as with a little help beside, served the Company almost a week, at which
time amongst other Recreations, we exercised our Arms, many of the Indians
coming amongst us, and amongst the rest their greatest king Massasoit, with
some ninety men, whom for three days we entertained and feasted, and they went
out and killed five Deer, which they brought to the Plantation and bestowed on
our Governor, and upon the Captain and others. And although it be not always
so plentiful, as it was at this time with us, yet by the goodness of God, we
are so far from want, that we often wish you partakers of our plenty."
The men and women were Thankful for the food to keep them through the winter.
Thanksgiving wasn’t made a holiday until 1863, when
President Abraham Lincoln set aside a day in November. He was likely influenced
by the work of Sarah Josepha Hale who had worked for decades to promote a
national day of thanks.
Throughout the centuries, men and women have paused to give thanks at and for memorable occasions. Giving thanks doesn’t have to be limited to one day a year when we eat more than we should and watch football and parades before heading out to get the best bargains on Black Friday. In this COVID-tide perhaps we can rediscover things, people, ideals, joys, and the happiness of simple things to give thanks for.
I invite you to find time to make a list of at least 10
things you are grateful for. If you feel creative, you could even make a turkey
and write your thanksgivings on the tail feathers. (LOL!)
