Giving Thanks: A Reflection on American Thanksgiving

It's American Thanksgiving!   Traditions abound but do you really know why you celebrate?

Every year on the third Thursday of November, the majority of American's follow the smell of turkey to someone's house and engage in the annual tradition of Thanksgiving Day.  It's a day of family, food, football, and fun, for most people.  Schools have sent home turkey's and feathers and an array of other November activities to teach about Thanksgiving Day.  But what is it really?

Sean's Bar is the oldest bar in the world, dating back to 900 AD.  It's incredible to reflect on how many people have passed through its doors.

The history of Thanksgiving is a little muddled, with debates on its origins and if it really was a reason to celebrate.  Turkey, pilgrims, corn, and the various other symbols of Thanksgiving can give way to debates that can't be won.  After traveling parts of the world, we have learned no country is without issues, and every country has a history that can be viewed differently depending on who you ask.  After 300 some years of American history, it's also now a fact American's are not the only country to celebrate Thanksgiving Day.  Other countries also have days they give thanks, with different traditions. 

​So really, the question doesn't reside in history.  Instead, this Thanksgiving, ask yourself one question.

What do YOU give thanks for?

Traveling provides perspectives from all over the world of human history.

Because there is a profound difference in celebrating Thanksgiving Day and giving thanks.  As we travel and learn about the history of the world, one thing continuously stands out.  Our human history depended on those before us who lived without.   There was no football game on a Thursday and then again on a Sunday.  Time away from the home meant lost time in ensuring there would be enough to get through the year, or the winter.  Modern necessities such as kitchens, bathrooms, fast food, grocery stores, Amazon shopping...none of it existed.  The amount of time we are able to spend traveling wouldn't be possible without the creativity, innovation, and dedication to survival of those who came before us.

For us, Thanksgiving Day is about giving thanks.  And while we are personally thankful for people and things in our own lives, we are also thankful for the world we live in.  We are thankful for airports, the invention of the plane, and the staff who work continuously around the clock (even on holidays) to ensure people get to where they need to be.  We are thankful for Airbnb hosts, who open their homes.  We are thankful for park rangers, restaurant staff, and others who provide what we need when we're away from home.  We are thankful for railroads, cars, and buses.  Could you imagine if we still had horse drawn carriages?  

Because being truly thankful means recognizing that the world you live in is possible because of someone else.  Someone else, whether you know them or not, created something you need, or want, or have.   Someone else in this world is struggling, working, and thankful for the things in their life, and it's connected to yours.  Because of modern convivences, we are dependent on one another.

Live everyday with an attitude of gratitude.  This Thanksgiving, take a moment to look around and think about how many people have done a job in order for you to be able to do yours.  Identify why you are thankful this Thanksgiving Day, no matter how big or small!  Every recognition of gratitude makes the world a better place.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Have a wonderful day.  We are thankful for you!