raven read

Thanksgiving is an important and cherished holiday in the United States, typically celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. It is a time when families and friends come together to express gratitude for the blessings in their lives and to enjoy a festive meal. While it has historical roots dating back to the early 17th century, the modern Thanksgiving is a day for reflection, appreciation, and sharing with loved ones.

Here are some key aspects of Thanksgiving that you might find interesting:

1. Historical Origins: Thanksgiving traces its origins to a harvest feast shared by Pilgrims and Native Americans in 1621. The Pilgrims, early European settlers, were expressing thanks for a bountiful harvest and the assistance provided by the Native Americans in cultivating the land.
2. Thanksgiving Feast: The centerpiece of Thanksgiving is a grand feast. Families gather to share a meal that typically includes a roast turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and various side dishes. Pumpkin pie is a popular dessert. The meal symbolizes abundance, togetherness, and the importance of sharing.
3. Gratitude and Reflection: At its core, Thanksgiving is a time for people to reflect on the things they are thankful for. It’s an opportunity to express gratitude for good health, family, friendships, and the various positive aspects of life. Many families take turns sharing what they are thankful for around the dinner table.
4. Community and Charity: Thanksgiving also emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community. Some people engage in volunteer work, contributing their time and resources to help those in need. Charity events and food drives are common during this time.

While Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in American history and culture, its essence—a day of gratitude and sharing—is universal. I still remember the very first Thanksgiving dinner I attended in Turkey. The camaraderie and joy surrounding the delicious food always remained with me as good reminder of looking to the past and the future with gratitude.

Our boarding students were hosted by teachers and families in our town for the Thanksgiving meal. We also made sure that they participated in the wonderful tradition of pie-making where their creativity and talent made the table beautiful and eve more appetizing!