Settlers of the Plymouth Colony and their Wampanoag tribe predecessors kicked off a grand tradition, one which we continue to celebrate. The original Thanksgiving dates back to 1621, two hundred years before the naming of Pocahontas County, a place for which to be thankful.
The motivation for the first thanksgiving was to celebrate a particularly bountiful harvest. If the pilgrims could find time to give thanks – after all they had been through – then we can do the same. I appreciate the extra time off, but Thanksgiving should be recognized for more than a day off from work or school. Thanksgiving should be practiced every day and certainly should not be put off until the fourth Thursday in November.
Practice the habit of being Thankful every day. We have so many things to be Thankful for.
This year, focus on family and friends and less on a weekend of football.
As you enjoy turkey, sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie, try to be among the 61% of people who will try to avoid talking politics at the Thanksgiving meal.
Time will be better spent giving thanks for all the other things we have to be thankful for.
Sam
