Thanksgiving is a living, breathing tradition that has grown and developed over the centuries. It is not a one-time story of heritage and pass-on. Thanksgiving is the tale of how people came together and shaped America’s history and continue to shape America’s future. It is a story that continues to grow as people continue to tell it and pass it on to others.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.“

-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thanksgiving has become a very special holiday that has a very deep meaning for people all over the world. It has become part of the American culture and people wait for the day to come so that they can give thanks to their friends and loved ones. Thanksgiving decorations have also evolved to include more foods and other items, and this is to help people get excited about celebrating the spirit of Thanksgiving.

The first Thanksgiving feast was held in 1621 by the pilgrims of Plymouth colony to celebrate their first harvest. This feast became an annual tradition, and many of the same foods we enjoy today were served at the very first Thanksgiving. Over time, the holiday evolved and changed. In 1789, George Washington declared Thanksgiving a national holiday to give thanks to the newly formed United States of America. And in 1863, Abraham Lincoln made Thanksgiving a national holiday to be celebrated on the last Thursday of November.

Thanksgiving is the day to remember the heritage of our nation and to celebrate its early settlers and their hard work. It is a day when we are given the opportunity to take a step back in time and reflect on the foundations of this great country. The spirit of Thanksgiving is alive and well because the stories of its early settlers live on and continue to influence the way we live and the way we choose to celebrate this great holiday.

This is the time of the year when people gather to enjoy conversation and share news about the things they have done and the things they are planning to do in the upcoming days. It is also a day when people continue to celebrate their love of food, family, and friends and share their joy about the spirit of this great country. A lot of families start their day with a tradition of eating breakfast and great food like Thanksgiving Turkey. Turkey is traditionally served with cranberry sauce, stuffing, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and pumpkin pie. We give thanks for our blessings, and we enjoy time with those we love.

Thanksgiving has been growing over the years and now, on Thanksgiving Basket Day, children are asked to bring food they like to eat on Thanksgiving. When the child does so, they will be bringing back food to school, tell the story of the one who brought the food, and share the food among themselves.

On Thanksgiving Day, we pause to reflect on all that we are grateful for. We give thanks for our families, our friends, our health, and our many blessings. It is the perfect opportunity to express our gratitude to our Lord, family, and the material possessions we are blessed with. In a world that often feels overwhelming and negative, gratitude is a practice that can help us to find joy and peace. When we take the time to be grateful for the good in our lives, we open ourselves up to more happiness, love, and abundance. Gratitude has been linked to improved mental and physical health, stronger relationships, and a greater sense of overall well-being. Additionally, gratitude can help us to re-frame our perspectives and see the good in difficult situations.

When we feel gratitude, we are producing positive chemicals in our brains that have a whole host of health benefits. Some of these benefits include improved sleep, lower stress levels, and a stronger immune system. Gratitude also helps us to build stronger relationships. When we express gratitude to others, they are more likely to trust us and feel closer to us.

On Thanksgiving time, we can express gratitude to others, keep a gratitude journal, or simply take time each day to think about the things we are grateful for. We may create a monthly habit of giving to charity, celebrate the freedom we are blessed with, and advocate for those who are less fortunate than us.

Gratitude is at the heart of Thanksgiving. It is a day when we come together to express our thanks for all the good in our lives. As we give thanks, we also open our hearts and minds to the needs of others. We remember that we are all interconnected and that we all have a part to play in making this world a better place.

So on this Thanksgiving Day, let us all pause to give thanks for all the good in our lives. With kindness, together, we can make this world a livable better home for all. Let us also take a moment to express our gratitude for the natural world around us and express our gratitude for the gift of life itself. Be thankful for every moment, good or bad, that we have been given.

Happy Thanksgiving Day!