It’s about that time when everywhere we look, everywhere we go, and every easy listening radio station we tune into is already one month ahead of us.
It’s November, a month known as one during which families come together, feast on some delicious food and give thanks for the good things in their lives. But, of course, for everything commercial, it’s the time of giving already, which isn’t bad. In fact, it’s probably good for our economy to start advertising commercial items that can be given as gifts for whatever holiday in December.
But, in terms of us as victims of such marketing techniques, we should be able to acknowledge that it is November. And although time flies, Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa come after Thanksgiving. There’s nothing wrong with planning ahead, but we can’t be blind to the present.
Many people’s first thoughts when it comes to Thanksgiving are good turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, pies, and so on. Mouths are probably watering right now just reading that. But, let us not forget the point of Thanksgiving: to give thanks.
Sure, there is a history behind Thanksgiving that traces back to 1621, in what is now recognized as the state of Massachusetts. Essentially, by celebrating Thanksgiving, we are celebrating the additional food the Plymouth pilgrims received from the Wampanoag Native Americans that was crucial to their survival. However, this was then followed by the mistreatment of Native Americans, so the matter can be a sensitive one.
If individuals prefer to focus on the history of our country during Thanksgiving, then all the better; we approve.
But, whether or not the history of Thanksgiving suits your taste or not, then merely take the name literally. Give thanks. Give thanks for something, anything really. I don’t care if you’re homeless on the street or incarcerated, we all have something to be thankful for, and that can’t be denied.
The thing is, December is so amplified because the idea of giving gifts are so amplified. Of course it’s unnatural for human kind to not put all their focus on material things, but if we remind ourselves that mere gratitude will do us more good than objects or items, we can redirect our attention.
Thanksgiving is exactly one week away from today. Let’s deal with the stressors in our lives for these next seven days so that on Nov. 24, we can clear our minds and enjoy the time we have with our family and friends (and food).
You’d be surprised at how refreshed you’ll feel after dedicating an entire day to being grateful for what we’ve been given, instead of focusing on our worries.
Ignoring our concerns for one day won’t be unhealthy. It won’t be a setback. In fact, it’ll be the healthiest thing we can do for ourselves before finals week. And after finals, it’s winter break. So stop your stressing, and start thanking.
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