For most Americans, Thanksgiving is a day to be with family and friends and enjoy a turkey surrounded by much that is starchy, buttery and plentiful. There should be a walk along the river or through a park before dessert, and a little football viewing. Some might say that Thanksgiving is the best of holidays, centered on family, food and home and requiring no gift-giving or a costume. Nor is it a day tied to one religion or another.
In New York City, the day even provides a parade.
Ask people what they are thankful for, and the answer usually begins with, “to live in this country.” To have been born in the United States, for most is thanks to grandparents or great-grandparents, or to have found it later in life through individual effort or good fortune. A country with freedom of expression, press and religion, where one can gather and petition, unhindered. Where one is expected to vote. Where everyone can have at least 12 years of education, and where the doors to colleges and universities are open to almost everyone. If you want an education, you can get it.
At the Thanksgiving table, there should be laughter and good cheer, and plenty of compliments. If that is the mood, you will be remembered as a good host.
Thanksgiving is also a day when it is easy to give back. Community Thanksgiving dinners occur in every town, and many people step up to bake or to serve and expand their group of acquaintances in doing so.
While representing all these qualities, Thanksgiving is still a time for reflection. To consider how the country, or the community, has gone wrong on occasion and how to do better. Challenge those at the dinner table to single out those especially deserving of thanks, and how to give them a boost. Those serving overseas in the military, especially in harm’s way, should be at the top of the list. And, those who have served our country and now need a job and a helping hand.
What we can hope for is that during next year’s Thanksgiving even more Americans will have more to be thankful for. A better economy, one that includes all instead of just a few. A reduction in the number of American servicemen and women overseas, improved race relations, cleaner air and water.
But this week, we should cheer all that we have, which is considerable.
Happy Thanksgiving.
