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The Thanksgiving story is known by every school child: The Pilgrims, who left Plymouth, England, in 1620 to start a colony in North America, celebrated the first harvest in Massachusetts Bay in November 1621 with a feast, giving thanks to God. In one of the few examples of cooperation between European colonists and Native Americans, the Pilgrims invited their neighbors from the Wampanoag tribe, which had assisted them with spring planting, to the first Thanksgiving.
From that humble beginning, Americans celebrate Thanksgiving as a national holiday, with traditions handed down from generation to generation.
The growing commercialization of Thanksgiving and the emphasis of an early start for Christmas shopping is a troubling trend in recent years that threatens to spoil a uniquely American tradition . Can't we just let people enjoy the holiday with their families?
One of the most cherished Thanksgiving traditions is enjoying a feast with family and friends. Relatives and friends often travel long distances to join together to share a meal and fellowship.
Just like the Pilgrims of old, celebrating Thanksgiving is about being thankful for the bounties we have been blessed with as a nation and as families each with unique qualities.
Even families of lesser means can find refreshment at volunteer-run Thanksgiving meals in almost every city and town, where the homeless, the poor, and the lonely can still enjoy a hot meal and friendly faces to share it with.
Thanksgiving is more than turkey and football - although there will be plenty of both; it is a day to gather families together and give thanks for our blessings. On this one day, personal and family troubles can be set aside as we number our good fortunes.