Three Ways to Transform Thanksgiving
It’s not about good football and juicy drumsticks
Is there something we can do about this holiday to transform it into something more meaningful?
Thanksgiving is another holiday under attack, and for a good reason. It’s another example of historical myth, as written about in the book This Land is Their Land by David J. Silverman. An interview with the author covers the basics of the myth here.
What I found particularly interesting is how it’s interwoven with our racial past. President Lincoln declared it a national holiday during the Civil War.
We use myth to promote unity. Similar to what religions do. I find that interesting.
But I also think it’s important to acknowledge history and pull from the myth what is valuable and use it in different ways.
I don’t expect people to give up turkey, football, parades, and stuffing (both the bird and the person). But I think it misses the point to limit our giving thanks to one day of the year.
It’s like I realized a long time ago. People act holy while in church, but as soon as they hit the parking lot, it’s every man for himself to get out as quick as possible.
So, what can we do? I’ve come up with three ways to invigorate the meaning of the holiday.
First, though, I’m going to rename it.
Thanksliving.
I think that reflects what it should mean rather than changing it to Friendsgiving or some other lame name.
- We should give thanks for every day we live. From our first breath when we wake up to the last breath before we fall asleep.
If you believe in a God, a supreme being, or nothing at all, you can still give thanks for living. You can give thanks for the opportunity to help others, even in the smallest of ways.
Say thank you in the morning for the chance the day promises, and thank you at night for the opportunities you took advantage of. It’s a simple form of examining your life and can help you focus on others.
2. Smile at all those you pass by or interact with.
A smile is so disarming and friendly it can boost the mood without any words spoken. It broadcasts acceptance of others and can change someone’s frame of mind long after you’ve left. And if you smile more, you’ll find you’re brushing your teeth per the dentist’s instructions, or else smiling without showing your teeth. Either type of smile is acceptable.
3. Say thank you every chance you get.
I think we fall into a rut of not saying thank you enough. I know I do. I’m reminded when my wife, from a different culture, says thank you when I think it’s not necessary. It reminds me that it’s a simple action that affirms our gratitude for what the other person did, even if they did it out of obligation. (For instance, in their job.) It conveys respect and courtesy.
These things can change the world around you. I remember reading somewhere that you can’t change another person by trying to force them to do what you want. But you will change them if you change your behavior because now they have to respond to someone different.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate the time you take and hope that I bring some value into your world.
Someone I’d like to thank is Robert Ralph. I appreciate all his help on this platform, especially this one.