What’s in a Name?
Gratitude Day. …It doesn’t have much of a ring to it, does it? Thanksgiving. …Now, that sounds a bit more splashy!
But, what’s in a word?
When the first pilgrims came to America, things had become quite dicey! With almost 80 percent of the women that came over on the Mayflower dying, that left just over 50 colonists to attend that first Thanksgiving Day in America. Those were the fortunate ones who made it through the harsh winter with disease sweeping through the colony, thereby cutting the entire group in half!
Yet, when the colonists sat down with their Native American friends for the first Thanksgiving Day dinner, they felt they had much to be thankful for! While the colonists were outnumbered by a margin of about two-to-one by their Native Americans friends, they all rejoiced together with thankful hearts on this historical occasion.
For the English, this was a celebration of having survived their first year in New England. And, although this festive dinner together was not yet called “Thanksgiving” in 1621, there was a feeling of Gratitude in the air. This spirit of Gratitude became a binding thread in this long-held tradition that has woven itself into the very fabric of American society.
A History of Giving Thanks
The English regularly had prayers of thanksgiving prior to this first feast with the Native Americans. Whether it was prayers before and after each meal or celebrating a successful harvest, the colonists regularly engaged in giving thanks to God.
For the Native Americans, the custom of giving thanks was also a part of daily life. They offered prayers and acknowledgments for hunting, fishing and whenever they would pick a plant.
Thanksgiving–A National Holiday in the Making
By the late 1600s, giving thanks to God had deeply entwined with the fall harvest traditions in New England. By the 19th Century, sentiment to create a national Thanksgiving holiday had grown considerably. After the Civil War, President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as Thanksgiving Day in an attempt to heal a divided nation.
Thanksgiving Getting Boxed Out?
Fast forward to today. It seems as though this historic celebration is getting crowded out by other things. After the Thanksgiving Dinner, many enjoy sitting and watching football games, interspersed with checking newspaper ads for Black Friday deals. I’ve done it myself!
But I’m concerned that we may be looking beyond the mark when it comes to Thanksgiving Day. For many, their focus is lost on Christmas decorations and shopping while trying to squeeze in Thanksgiving Day in between the hustle and bustle. It just seems like many these days are looking beyond Thanksgiving to other holidays and events.
Is this not the case? If so, then I ask: Can we please give Thanksgiving it space? This is actually for our own good, as I will explain in a moment.
What I am concerned about here is a matter of focus. For the Pilgrims and the Native Americans at that first Thanksgiving Day feast, they were thankful for the food on their tables and grateful to be alive!
It so happens that Gratitude is one of the pillars of Happiness. …And it doesn’t matter whether a person is a man or woman, rich or poor, tall or short, healthy or sick; if we don’t have gratitude in our hearts, we will never be happy!
The Fruits of Gratitude
As a society, I believe that if we truly had Gratitude in our hearts, we would give Thanksgiving Day its due. We would honor it. Give it its space. Protect it. We would give it the place in our hearts that it deserves!
Consequently, this historic holiday would have greater hang-time—much longer than any single gathering, feast or football game could ever yield—as wonderful as any of these may be!
Gratitude permeates the human soul. It creates a shift in our perspective for the better. It brings the benefits in our lives into focus.
May the spirit of Gratitude fill your heart this Thanksgiving Day, Week and thereafter!
I promise you that as you are mindful of Gratitude, and strive to cultivate it in your heart by looking around you to consider all the good that lies there right before your eyes—and savor them—that not only will Thanksgiving Day have a much longer hang-time—but so will all the other holidays and special events in your life!
Happy Thanksgiving! Or, rather, Happy Gratitude Day!
Yours in Thriving!
Tom Ligi, Positive Psychology Consultant & Resilience Coach
Author of 7 Steps to Self-Confidence