The Art of Giving Thanks: The Importance of Thanksgiving

By Jenna Higbie

Thanksgiving isn’t just about the big turkey or the crispy pies, it’s about being thankful and spending time with the people you love, the food is just a bonus! Thanksgiving originates from a harvest feast held in 1621 shared by the English colonists and the Wampanoag people in Plymouth Massachusetts, which eventually became a national holiday declared by Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

As the country became more urban, the holiday moved away from the religious roots to allow immigrants of every background to participate in a common tradition which include football games and parades. Thanksgiving Day football games beginning with Yale vs Princeton in 1876, enabled fans to add some rowdiness to the holiday.

In the late 1800s parades also became common on this day. Philadelphia 1920 a store named Gimbels staged a parade of about 50 people with Santa Claus. Since then the annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City has carried on the tradition with many different floats and balloons.

Thanksgiving dinner is fairly the same throughout the country, though it may vary by region. A roasted turkey is the most common main dish. It is usually accompanied by mashed potatoes, stuffing, yams, etc. Originally the first thanksgiving meal featured deer, seafood, and native produce like corn and squash. The modern dinner that consists of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pie didn’t take shape until the 19th century, which then eventually became a national tradition.

A popular tradition for many around the world is the annual Turkey Trot for charity that happens the morning of Thanksgiving Day. The turkey trot race originated in 1896 here in Buffalo NY, with a small 8k race hosted by the local YMCA and is now the oldest run footrace in the world. The race quickly spread all over the world with many races acting as charity fundraisers and popular community events having participants in costumes.

Many communities host different kinds of events such as craft and vendor shows and organize large meals or gatherings for residents.

For Thanksgiving we express our thanks and most gratitude for family and friends and reflection of life’s gifts and blessings. Thanksgiving holiday in particular reinforces happy emotions and a chance for families and friends to create new memories.

Although most people love this holiday and love to celebrate there has been a historical figure who has a complicated relationship with thanksgiving. Thomas Jefferson refused to celebrate the national holiday, he opposed government- mandated religious observances believing that it violated the separation of the church and the state.

Gratitude means a lot to me and every holiday I try to show an act of kindness to let people know that it still does exist.

Thanksgiving is a holiday that has evolved from a harvest feast into a big celebration of family, gratitude, and more. It provides a dedicated time for people to come together and express appreciation for their lives. Through meals and traditions, this holiday promotes togetherness and unity showing its significance in American culture.