Can Thanksgiving survive our modern world?
Can a holiday that embodies all survive our modern world?
We asked readers on our Engaging Arizona Facebook page to tell us their thoughts
Mike McClellan, Gilbert
We have two Thanksgivings, one for the larger family and a second just for kids and grandkids. In the former, there are folks of all political views, views that are sometimes voiced and disagreed with. But we still get together, pray before the meal, swap stories and laugh. The day endures. So yes, the holiday will endure.
Chuck Carothers, Sun Lakes
It will live on. A simple thought is expressed that day that can be celebrated by many people of varied backgrounds. If someone chooses to not celebrate it, no big deal.
Claudia Lewis Gilburd, Carefree
Perhaps we should add to that list the historical distortions we teach our kids in school about that very “celebration.” While gratitude is certainly a virtue we should teach and practice every day, the Thanksgiving story hardly elevates its importance.
Michael McAfee, Mesa
OK Claudia, I’ll bite. What is it about the true “First Thanksgiving” story that you object to? Or maybe it is the myth that you are referring to.
Claudia Lewis Gilburd, Carefree
While my family certainly celebrates in the Hallmark tradition each year, we remember the atrocities that ensued and remind ourselves that gratitude in action means respecting, honoring, and caring for others.
Michael McAfee, Mesa
As a student of history, I always prefer the facts. The facts are that the Pilgrims had one hell of a time that first winter and summer. Over 20% of the company died. If it had not been the help from the Natives Americans perhaps all would have perished. This the true meaning of Thanksgiving, hope for the future.
Mary Marshall Shipe, Gilbert
Our very extended family is closer and feels the spirit of togetherness at Thanksgiving more than any other holiday, including Christmas, because it still represents the simple values of sharing and gratitude.
Jay Alderson, Phoenix
We have eaten out for years so that no one has to spend the day (and some of the preceding days too) preparing for the feast and cleaning up after. There are some great places in Phoenix serving wonderful and traditional Thanksgiving fare.
Andrew Knochel, Phoenix
Until the U.S. rebalances holidays (either one day each month, or allowing people to celebrate whichever days are important to their faith tradition), Thanksgiving will be a significant time.
Michael S. Ellegood, Prescott
Of course it will survive. Our immediate family (wife and I) are not particularly religious. Some of our children and grandchildren are, no matter. Thanksgiving is a celebration of family, of giving thanks to all for the family and for its myriad blessings. It is a time to stop ... think about what’s important ... reflect on our family and enjoy each other’s company. This year we will have about 14 family and friends.
Don Watz, Peoria
Are we full? Did we run out of celebration days? What was the tipping point – Cupcake Day? Or was it Homemade Cookie Day? I am not sure why this is a topic? Thanksgiving means a perfect Thursday through Sunday off work. A perfect timeframe to start the holiday season.
The day itself means smells and tastes that you wish were everyday, but realize if it was, it would not be as special, and you’d be pretty darn fat. The day is about inviting a friend of a friend to the dinner when you find out they have nowhere to go.
It’s about watching the Detroit Lions play football and remembering how you have since a child. It’s about 10 to 20 family and friends meeting up and just plain having fun.
I know what everyone is thinking, that is “my” Thanksgiving. That is the point, same day, same weekend, everyone’s story is not the same.
It might be much better, might not be – either way don’t mess with Thanksgiving.
Go ahead and cancel National Doughnut Day, just leave Turkey Day alone. #ThanksgivingForever3
Potter Jan, Phoenix
I did some research on Thanksgiving—not the day but the act of thanksgiving—and discovered some interesting facts. Gratitude has numerous health benefits: a stronger cardiovascular system, greater immunity to disease, improved sleep, it lowers depression, it releases dopamine — the brain chemical related to pleasure and satisfaction, and releases serotonin which furthers a sense of happiness.
All good reasons to continue our celebration of Thanksgiving Day and to have an “attitude of gratitude” throughout the year!
Jodi Decker, Glendale
Yah, it’s still a staple. We need it. So many angles ... thankfulness, of course, family, bounty, the food ... people feeling charitable and including others donating food. I have no problem with U.S. history courses teaching “the truth” about Thanksgiving ... but let the little kids enjoy their Pilgrim and Native American appropriation of feather hats and Turkeys made from hands and the little kids table. We have to accommodate the vegetarians on Thanksgiving ... so it’s turkey plus whatever.