“In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.”

Thanksgiving is more than just a big meal. It is a time to reflect on the blessings you received over the past year. We know that the whole year might not have been the best or most successful, but I’m sure there were some blessings along the way? This is the time where family and friends, can share a big meal at the dinner table and show each other love. Whether it’s been a year since you’ve talked to your family, this is the one time to get together, watch football, eat and talk about what we are all thankful for. I am going to share with you a poem written by Ralph Clark about the “Meaning of Thanksgiving’.

Thanksgiving Day is the day we offer thanks

To those who build the foundation of our land

And to those who dies keeping our country free

A day we thank God for his guiding hand.

A day we sit down at our table with those we love

Feeling good knowing no danger lurks at our door

Thanksgiving Day is celebrated each and every year

By all Americans whether we are rich or poor.

A day we give thanks we can choose our way of life

In a sinful world where much freedom is gone

Thanksgiving Day is a special day in our country

We are not perfect, but together we stand strong

This is the meaning of Thanksgiving

So take a break, eat good food, watch the game, and most importantly, be thankful for the loved one in your life and the life that you have been blessed with!

 The First Thanksgiving at Plymouth (oil on canvas 1914)