Thanksgiving: A Holiday That Is What It Sounds Like

Ah, Thanksgiving! In the United States, it is a day of the rigorously reinforced ritual of over-eating, parade and/or football watching, and family weirdness. Traditionally it is a harvest festival. It is also celebrated in Canada. Though the dates are different in each country – the second Monday of October in Canada and the Fourth Thursday of November in the US – the meaning remains the same. Thanks are to be given.

God and country are a large part of the Thanksgiving holiday, a sense of patriotism surrounds the eating of the turkey, and no wonder, for the turkey very nearly became the national bird. Ben Franklin made the suggestion, but we all know the American Bald Eagle won that battle. Historically, it was more related to the rewards of first harvest, and the simple tradition of honoring those things in life which bring joy and comfort. For many, God and country are those things in life which bring joy and comfort.

On the other hand, I think we all know that overtly political or religious conversations at the dinner table amongst family members can become quite a disruptive event during an otherwise relaxing holiday. At least the arguments and debates over favorite sports teams are experienced as good-natured fun. Those odd little schisms are, for some of us, as much of a tradition as stuffing and mashed potatoes. Also an important part of this family oriented ritual is complaining of how bloated and full we are while we continue to gorge ourselves with desserts like pumpkin or apple pie.

One family tradition is that before or after the holiday meal, each family member is required to state what they are thankful for. In my case, I am frequently stumped and tend to say the same things – the food, the company, and the wine. All of these things are true, but it is also true, every year that I am thankful for the fact that I was not the turkey.