Why I’d Make an Exception for Thanksgiving
November 28, 2024
I am not a fan of importing traditions from elsewhere. Take Halloween, for example. I barely understand what it’s about and don’t see the need for it. But there’s one tradition I’d gladly make an exception for Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving celebrated annually in the United States and Canada, reflects on the harvest and blessings of the past year. It dates to 1621 when the Pilgrims of Plymouth and the Wampanoag people shared a harvest feast. But to me, the historical specifics aren’t the point. What matters is the idea of being grateful for family, community, and the things we so often take for granted.
We don’t practice gratitude enough. Focusing on what’s wrong is easy, but when do we stop to appreciate what’s right? For me, gratitude starts with my family but doesn’t end there. It’s also about sharing kindness and creating a sense of connection with the people around us.
Lately, though, that sense of connection is slipping away. Let me explain. Twice a week, I meet with friends at the same places, on the same days. Over time, I’ve started recognizing familiar faces there. A simple nod turns into a greeting, and greetings become conversations. Slowly but surely, a sense of community grows.
But in recent months, many familiar faces have stopped showing up. Even those who remain seem less inclined to say hello. Fewer greetings, fewer conversations—it’s like a quiet indifference replaces the warmth.
And that’s a shame. A small gesture—a smile, a wave, a kind word—can go a long way. These moments remind us that we’re not alone but all part of something bigger.
I want to do more. I want to buy someone a coffee or a sandwich, no strings attached. I’d happily pay for someone’s groceries with just one condition: that they “pay it forward” to someone else. These aren’t grand gestures but simple ways to bring back a sense of care and connection that feels increasingly rare.
This is why Thanksgiving resonates with me. It’s not about turkey or traditions—it’s about pausing to reflect, be thankful, and share. It reminds us that we’re better when we care for each other.
So, while I’ll pass on Halloween, I’ll gladly embrace the spirit of Thanksgiving. And I challenge you to do the same: take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for and think about how you can share that gratitude with others. Even the smallest act of kindness can make all the difference.
Miguel Goede
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