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Long ago and far away, Thanksgiving was celebrated at grandma’s house “over the river and through the woods.” Excitement reigned as families, drawn by the possibility of sharing turkey and trimmings, gathered for a day of family fun. We wore our Sunday best, went to church, and thanked God for His many blessings.
Traditionally, Thanksgiving was a day set aside to commemorate friendship between pilgrims and Wampanoag natives as they gathered to celebrate safe journeys and abundant crops. The description of these get-togethers has since undergone several revisions, but recent history reveals a dark side that belies the comradery that many of us were taught to believe existed.
Today, Thanksgiving, long touted as the busiest travel holiday of the year, seems to have lost much of its steam in the face of Halloween hype and Yuletide revelry. Even “Black Friday” comes up with more media coverage than does this long-established American tradition. Is Thanksgiving running away from us?
On the contrary, our country has run away from Thanksgiving! At the expense of thankfulness, we’ve concentrated on issues that distract and divide, thereby missing the boat when it comes to being grateful for the good things in our lives. Worries about the economy, unemployment, climate change, racism, politics, religion, health, and war are ever present. Yet, despite these issues, it is essential to remember that we live in country where freedom is an inalienable right. This gift should make Thanksgiving an everyday celebration for all of us.
We at the Villa are particularly blessed. Surrounded by friends, and sheltered from economic and political worries, it is easy to enjoy the advantages with which we are blessed. It is, therefore, even more essential that we put Thanksgiving front and center in our lives.
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