Celebrating Thanksgiving Through Gratitude and Giving

Thanksgiving, one of the most exciting holidays in the United States, has deep roots. The holiday not only offers a chance to celebrate life and be grateful, but also allows for a reunion with loved ones. The most interesting part about Thanksgiving is that it can be celebrated in many different ways and can align with every family’s traditions.

A familiar story regarding the tradition traces back to 1621, when the first Thanksgiving feast was held between English colonists and the Wampanoag tribe, marking the beginning of a holiday. In the nineteenth century, President Abraham Lincoln declared the fourth Thursday of November Thanksgiving.

All throughout the United States, Thanksgiving is celebrated in different ways. The most common one involves feasts and family gatherings, with turkey, stuffing, and pie, being the main food attractions. Another popular celebration is the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York, featuring large, colorful floats, themed dances, and marching bands. Many other families simply attend a sports game, or go on walks, or play a friendly game of football.

Service is also a huge part of Thanksgiving tradition. Many enjoy giving back to the community and volunteer at food drives, soup kitchens, and charities to help those in need. Above all, it’s important to remember that the giving season is not about the food or decorations, but rather sharing special moments with loved ones and showing gratitude.

The high school celebrates Thanksgiving by helping those in need and giving back to the community. An annual food drive is organized, in which each class competes to collect 40 cans of non-perishable food items. The first class to reach 40 cans earns entrance to an exclusive pep rally. Such activities are essential to reinforce the meaning of thanksgiving: gratitude, community, and kindness. Ultimately, our Thanksgiving today is a mixture of harvest festival traditions, and colonial histories. The various traditions demonstrate how this holiday can be personalized by each individual, combining service, fun, and gathering in meaningful ways.