With Thanksgiving just around the corner, my heart is overflowing with appreciation for every person woven into my life. Whether you’re sitting across my table or miles away, please know this: you are cherished, you are loved, and you remain in my prayers. May warmth fill your home and gratitude overflow in your heart.
Every November, as cinnamon and roasted turkey scent the air, we gather around tables surrounded by the people we love most. But Thanksgiving runs deeper than the feast on our plates. It’s a tapestry of history, gratitude, and traditions that make this holiday uniquely meaningful.
The Surprising True History of Thanksgiving
What Really Happened in 1621?
Here’s what your history textbook left out: that first Thanksgiving lasted three entire days, not just one dinner. The Wampanoag people, led by Chief Massasoit, actually outnumbered the Pilgrims—about 90 Native Americans and only 53 colonists.
And that turkey everyone mentions? It’s likely that the turkey wasn’t even their main course. Historians believe they feasted on venison, duck, lobster, mussels, and native crops like corn and squash.
The Woman Who Made It Official
Thanksgiving wasn’t always a national holiday. It took Sarah Josepha Hale, a magazine editor who wrote letters to five different presidents over 17 years, before Abraham Lincoln finally proclaimed it official in 1863—right in the middle of the Civil War. He hoped the holiday would help unite a divided nation.
The Food: More Than Just Turkey
Why Turkey Became the Star
Benjamin Franklin once lobbied for the turkey to be America’s national bird. While he lost that battle, the turkey won a prominent place on the Thanksgiving table. Why? They were abundant, affordable, and large enough to feed a whole family. Today, Americans consume approximately 46 million turkeys every Thanksgiving.
The Cranberry Debate
Cranberries are one of only three fruits native to North America. The Pilgrims called them “crane berries” because the blossoms resembled a crane’s head. However, the important question is whether to choose canned or homemade cranberries. Some families insist on fresh, while others swear by the ridged, jellied version. No judgment—gratitude comes in all forms!
Family Traditions: The Heart of Thanksgiving
Certain rituals have become part of the American experience:
- Sharing gratitude around the table transforms dinner into something sacred
- The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has draws 50 million TV viewers since 1924
- Turkey Trot races have exploded in popularity, allowing participants to earn their calories before the Thanksgiving feast!
- NFL football has been a Thanksgiving tradition since 1920
- The wishbone pull dates back to ancient Romans but feels purely American
The Power of Gratitude: Why It Matters
Gratitude isn’t just a nice feeling—it’s good for your health. Research shows practicing thankfulness can improve sleep, reduce anxiety, strengthen immunity, and increase happiness. When you share what you’re grateful for, you’re boosting everyone’s well-being.
Giving Back This Season
The spirit of Thanksgiving extends beyond our dining rooms. Consider volunteering at a food bank, inviting someone who’d otherwise be alone, or writing thank-you notes to people who’ve made a difference in your life.
Fun Facts to Share at Dinner
- The first TV dinner was inspired by 260 tons of leftover Thanksgiving turkey in 1953
- Canada celebrates too—but in October
- The turkey pardon only became official tradition in 1989
- Black Friday was named by Philadelphia police describing post-Thanksgiving chaos
- The Mayflower was headed to Virginia but got blown off course to Massachusetts
The Real Meaning of Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving isn’t about the perfect turkey or Pinterest-worthy decorations. It’s about pause. In our busy world, this holiday gives us permission to stop, gather, reflect, and appreciate.
It reminds us that abundance comes in many forms—love, connection, health, and community. Every person at your table, every memory you’re making, every tradition you’re honoring—these are threads in a life well-lived.
As Thanksgiving approaches, remember this: you matter. Your presence matters. Whether you’re hosting thirty people or celebrating quietly, whether your turkey is perfect or slightly burned—gratitude is the greatest feast of all.
Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃🍂
