The first Thanksgiving was in 1621 celebrated by the pilgrims and the Native Americans. The pilgrims came from England to the New World in the season of winter in hopes of religious freedom. It was difficult to harvest food because of the season so some of the pilgrims did starve and die from hunger. The Native Americans saw how the pilgrims were not prospering from their harvest and decided to help them. Squanto a Native American from the Patuxet tribe guided the pilgrims during their first winter in the New world. As a way to be thankful the pilgrims invited the Natives for a feast for helping during the winter season. That was the very first Thanksgiving which became a national holiday in America today. 

Thanksgiving is always on the fourth Thursday of November. The dishes can vary from house to house on what to eat at Thanksgiving. Turkey, ham, dressing with cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, squash, yams, greens, cabbage or even macaroni and cheese. At the end of the feast some families have the traditionally pumpkin pie, pecan pie or sweet potato pie. The food is always anticipated from year to year with so many looking forward for the big feast. This isn’t just a time to eat and be happy, but a time to spend with relatives from far away or relatives that live close by. Everyone comes together enjoying each other and seeing how each person has changed over the years. 

One thing that people forget about Thanksgiving is actually taking the time to acknowledge what is what they are truly thankful for. It can be for all the family members present or being thankful for all the many things that a person has like clothes, shoes, and a house to call home. It does not have to be something big, but saying something will matter the most. Thanksgiving isn’t just about the food, but about where God has brought people from and out of. It’s about the love that is spread and continuously being spread. It is as simple as that. We all have something or someone to be thankful for or towards. I am thankful for my parents because they do so much for me that I don’t always recognize them. Our parents play a huge role in our lives. 

Thanksgiving is about showing simple love by letting loved ones know that they are appreciated. Just saying thank you can mean so much to a person. Thanksgiving means according to the Oxford dictionary: the expression of gratitude, especially to God. We should all be thankful for what we came out of and what we been through. There are 365 days in a year that is not promised to anyone.  Everyday matters, and is important because it may be the last. Thanksgiving can be everyday. It does not have to be the fourth Thursday in November. Everyday has someone has something to be thankful for. Whether it is receiving food, a gift, or someone simply handing and object to a person. Just giving thanks is worth more than money can buy. Showing gratitude is not hard to do, but we make it so hard. Everyday there is a moment where gradude can be shown. No one has to do anything for anyone, but they chose to and that is what makes the difference. 

This year let family members know that they are loved and what they do is noticed. Look at them in their eyes directly and tell them they are loved. It may not matter to you or them now, but later on they will know that they are loved. No matter what anyone go through with all the negatives that come toward someone, someone cares. And when the light leaves that person at least it will be known they were appreciated. It doesn’t have to be a speech, but just taking the time to express love is truly appreciated. Some people do not have anyone who takes care of them or show love, but expressing gratitude to teachers, principals, counselors, or any staff member considering students and staff members who work at school see each other more than they see their own family. 

Many people can show that they are thankful, but why not express it by words. What takes a minute could last a lifetime. 

 “Appreciation can change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins