It is about that time of the year. Mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey and stuffing. Can’t you just smell it? Thanksgiving is one of the most admired, but also one of the most overlooked holidays. Being smack dab in the middle of two major events, Halloween and Christmas, there is no room for Thanksgiving to get the recognition it once had. We have not forgotten Thanksgiving, but have we lost the true meaning of the beloved holiday?
Katie Barhorst, pre-nursing freshman at Michigan State University, said, “I think that the meaning of Thanksgiving is really just dedicating a day to take a step back and realize the things in your life that you’re thankful for and appreciate having.”
Over the years, our traditions have gradually strayed away from their original significance. When you think of Thanksgiving, your mind probably goes straight to the food, the football, the parade and the family get-together that is either dreaded or cherished. Many have lost the sense of what it truly means.
Photo via Creative Commons.
Do you remember in elementary school, when the teacher would have you trace your hand to make a turkey cutout, and you would write one thing on each finger (feather) that you were thankful for? When did it become difficult to have that innocent sense of thankfulness?
Taking a look at its history, it all started in 1621. The Pilgrims and the local native tribes were at Plymouth Rock, Mass., where they shared their first harvest feast during a three day celebration, as well as a time, for those who were believers, to take part in the thanking of God for their good crop. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as the official United States holiday. It was not until 1941 that President Franklin Roosevelt signed it off as a federal holiday.
The tradition of Thanksgiving Day has been around for almost 400 years and is celebrated by all, whether they are religious or not. It is a time to be thankful for how far we have come in all this time and where we are today. It is a time to be grateful for the food we are provided and the family that surrounds us.
Jasmnika Newbern, Michigan State University communications sophomore, said, “I feel that Thanksgiving has changed dramatically over the years. The foundation of the holiday was to gather with family and share what you are thankful for. This generation has changed the idea where now we only gather to watch famous sporting events or participate in Black Friday shopping.
“Another thing that plays a role in the change is social media and technology. We are so busy replying to emails or tweeting that we have been deprived of that family connection. We are so caught up in capturing a moment for Snapchat that we don’t get to fully experience the moment. I hope that more people realize this change and work towards bringing back the true meaning of family and thankfulness.”
Throughout the years, Thanksgiving has been underrated and seemingly overlooked. For instance, Christmas music starts playing on the radio by Nov. 1. Black Friday shopping has also been a big event that has taken over like wildfire. It used to be the day of resting after a long and successful day with family and food, but it is now a day that starts by midnight after Thanksgiving with rushing, shopping carts and crowded store aisles.
Our traditions have changed from being a time of getting together and enjoying all of the company, to a time where our sense of enjoyment is glazed over by the time constraints, sporting events and the worry of getting that perfect gift. Why can’t the perfect gift be the time spent with the ones we love, instead of the time spent with the gadgets we seem to be consumed by?