The Benefits Of Gratitude On Thanksgiving: How To Celebrate The Holiday
Thanksgiving is an American holiday with a rich history. Thanksgiving Day has historically been celebrated nationwide by practicing gratitude for the good fortune in one’s life. On this day, families may sit down together to eat a large meal and look back on their year, reflecting on significant moments and the blessings they’ve received. However, everyone celebrates Thanksgiving differently, and some people choose not to celebrate due to the holiday’s complex past. This year, understanding the value of gratitude may be helpful as you approach Thanksgiving celebrations.
The history of Thanksgiving and National Thanksgiving Day
In 2024, Thanksgiving falls on November 28th. Occurring on the fourth Thursday in November each year, Thanksgiving is a holiday that is thought to have originated in New England in the 1600s. During this time, people would gather and eat large meals together to give thanks for the blessings in their lives. While Thanksgiving was once considered a time of silence and personal reflection, the holiday became more popular after Plymouth colonists from England reportedly shared a feast with the Wampanoag Native American tribe in the area.
After the Plymouth feast, Americans in certain regions continued to celebrate Thanksgiving. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln officially declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. Thanksgiving is now celebrated to reflect on gratitude and the joys of life through celebrations and traditions, like the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade. However, the holiday is not celebrated by everyone. Many people choose not to observe Thanksgiving because of controversy surrounding its origins.
The controversy behind the National Day of Thanksgiving
While the celebration between the colonists and the Wampanoag tribe in the early 1600s was friendly, some people and organizations believe it was meant to hide or minimize the violence that had been occurring between colonists and Indigenous peoples. This violence continued after the first Thanksgiving meal, contributing to a pattern of oppression of Indigenous communities that would persist for centuries. Many Indigenous families continue to be negatively impacted by anti-indigenous legislation, hate crimes, racism, and harmful stereotypes.
Many people believe Thanksgiving was named a holiday in 1863 to improve the relationship between US states and Indigenous peoples, following a mass execution of Dakota tribal members the year before. The creation of Thanksgiving overshadowed this event as a national holiday, and some Indigenous peoples avoid celebrating due to this occurrence.
However, the observance of Thanksgiving doesn’t necessarily have to honor the fraught relationship between the settlers and Indigenous communities. Instead, many people celebrate Thanksgiving using a different name, such as Turkey Day, Harvest Festival, or Friendsgiving. Certain Indigenous tribes have their own celebrations—to celebrate a bountiful harvest or acknowledge the changing seasons—which are held around the same time. Some people also have religious Thanksgiving services. Celebrating Thanksgiving is a personal choice; you don’t have to participate if you’re uncomfortable with the holiday’s past.
How to celebrate Thanksgiving this year
If you’re choosing to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, consider the following celebrations.
Make a delicious meal
For many, Thanksgiving involves counting blessings. Loved ones often celebrate their blessings by cooking a large feast (turkey, pumpkin pie, and cranberry sauce are common dishes). A feast can be a literal acknowledgement of the abundance you have in your life—and a fun way to connect with friends and family. Alternatively, you can make a Thanksgiving meal for others, volunteering your time to cook for a soup kitchen or shelter. You can also donate kitchen supplies, money, or food to families in need. Volunteering can be a fulfilling way of expressing your appreciation.
Have a “Friendsgiving”
A “Friendsgiving” typically involves getting together with friends and sharing a meal on Thanksgiving Day. Some people may celebrate Thanksgiving with friends if they don’t have close connections with family or are unable to go home. Friendsgiving may also be a helpful option for those who have been estranged due to their identity. People who are without a large support system, aside from their chosen family, may also want to celebrate with friends. For people who have lost immediate family, Friendsgiving can be a comforting way to participate in Thanksgiving, connect with others, and practice gratitude.
Redefine what the day means to you
If you are uncomfortable with the origins of Thanksgiving, you can reconsider what the holiday means to you. Some families might celebrate their Indigenous culture or the changing of the seasons. You can also observe Thanksgiving in a way that acknowledges the history of colonialism. Consider personalizing your celebration so that it reflects your values and experiences.
Donate and volunteer to give back to your community
Many people take time during Thanksgiving to give back to others. Below are a few ways you can volunteer or donate this year:
- Serve food to people at a soup kitchen or shelter
- Deliver meals to families
- Donate to a food bank
- Give care kits—including socks, hygiene products, and gifts—to homeless shelters
- Volunteer at a shelter
- Provide tutoring
- Volunteer at a non-profit for a cause you believe in
- Deliver for Meals on Wheels
- Clean up trash at a park, beach, or local area
- Offer to go grocery shopping for a family
- Start a clothing drive
- Sponsor a family with an organization like Families First
Start a gratitude journal
A gratitude journal can be a way to reflect on what you’re thankful for this year. To get started, write down five things you’re thankful for each day. On Thanksgiving Day, you might try responding to prompts, such as the following:
- Who am I most thankful for today, and why?
- What is one part of my life I often take for granted?
- How can I find joy in helping others?
- What are five ways I have stood up for myself this year?
- How have I improved my life over the last year?
- What lessons am I grateful to have learned?
- Who can I lean on when I need help?
- What items in my life am I most grateful to own?
- How can I become more grateful over the next year?
What does it mean to be grateful?
is a feeling of appreciation in response to a tangible good or beneficial experience. You can be grateful for people, items, or situations. People often practice gratitude on Thanksgiving in recognition of the ways they are protected, loved, and nourished. You may be grateful for your relationships, natural abilities, or basic needs. Often, gratitude accompanies gestures that express this feeling, such as volunteering, giving back, or saying “thank you” to someone.
The mental health benefits of gratitude
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) reports that gratitude can improve mental health. Being grateful has been associated with reduced depression and anxiety, as well as higher levels of optimism and joy. In one study, participants who practiced daily gratitude had fewer visits to the doctor for health concerns. Practicing gratitude, even in small ways, may also improve your relationships.
How do you celebrate Thanksgiving on your own?
If you aren’t celebrating Thanksgiving with loved ones this year, you might consider giving back to your community by volunteering or donating. You could bake cookies for your neighbors or donate your time at a shelter. If you want to spend Thanksgiving alone, celebrating on your own allows you to reflect and pursue your interests. You could go on a hike, journal in nature, or go on a solo trip.
How to cope with mental health challenges over the holidays
Mental health concerns are common during the holidays. According to NAMI, three out of five Americans report their mental health being negatively impacted over the holiday season. If you’re experiencing mental health challenges, consider the following coping techniques:
- Journal about your emotions and thoughts
- Spend time with people who respect your boundaries
- Avoid contentious discussions
- Find loved ones who accept and appreciate your identity
- Accept your feelings and understand that you’re not alone
- Volunteer in your community
- Maintaining healthy habits, such as nutritious eating, exercising, drinking water, and getting enough sleep
- Practice a hobby
- Connect with others through your own holiday (such as Friendsgiving)
- Don’t force yourself to celebrate a holiday if you don’t want to
- Talk to a therapist
Professional support options
If you’re struggling with your mental health this holiday season or want to learn more about how to practice gratitude, you might benefit from talking to a therapist. However, the holidays can be stressful, and some people may not have the time or finances to meet with a therapist in person. In these cases, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp may be more convenient.
Through an online platform, you can choose a session time that works for you and meet with a therapist through video call, voice call, or in-app messaging. Online therapy can also be more cost-effective, which may be helpful over the holidays. Additionally, studies show that online therapy is effective in reducing symptoms of conditions like depression and anxiety and improving the quality of life of clients.
Takeaway
Thanksgiving, a holiday with roots in the 1600s, is a time for reflection and gratitude. In 2024, Thanksgiving will fall on November 28th; and if you’re celebrating this year, consider giving back to your community, starting a gratitude journal, or tending to your mental well-being. For mental health support, consider seeking guidance from a therapist online or in your area.
Frequently asked questions
What is the real truth behind Thanksgiving?
Many people tell the story of the Thanksgiving meal shared between the Native Americans and the colonists that were living in the area as a story of the harvest celebration. However, despite this event, the maltreatment, abuse, and killing of Indigenous people continued to be common for over a century more, and even, in some ways, to the present day.
Thanksgiving was made a public holiday by the National government in response to the Civil War in 1863, 74 years after George Washington’s first proclamation American soldiers one day killed many Indigenous people, which was a few days before President Lincoln’s proclamation of this federal holiday on the final Thursday of November, so some people believe the holiday was named to distract the country from this act and as much fowl acts as had occurred commonly in this time period and after.
What does "thanksgiving" mean in the Bible?
In the Bible, “thanksgiving” is a word that means “praise to almighty God.” Some people give thanks on Thanksgiving weekend by thanking God for their blessings. In the present day, Thanksgiving is not considered necessarily religious. However, some people do connect with their beliefs to celebrate this official holiday.
How do you teach Thanksgiving correctly?
When teaching children and others about the Thanksgiving holiday, learn as much as you can about the history surrounding the event. You can also mention how Indigenous peoples were impacted by the violence and discrimination they faced on their land by people who colonized the US. Discussing the impacts of colonization and ensuring Indigenous voices are heard can be one way to ensure all sides of the story are told. In addition, teach only the facts, and leave personal opinion out of the story. You can find the facts by researching multiple counts of the story and by reading about Thanksgiving on Indigenous rights organizations’ websites.
How do you explain Thanksgiving to kids?
When explaining Thanksgiving to children, talk about the present significance of the holiday, but also mention how the holiday came to be. You can mention the lamentable civil strife, violence against Indigenous peoples, and how colonizers came to America. You can talk about the efforts the government has made to better the lives of Indigenous people in the US without glossing over the fact that many people lost their land, families, spiritual beliefs, languages, and health due to colonization.
Is Thanksgiving bigger than Christmas?
Some people put a lot of effort into their Thanksgiving celebrations, whereas others may not celebrate the holiday at all. Christmas is often considered a bigger holiday because it’s celebrated worldwide, whereas Thanksgiving is only a public holiday in the US. Some people will have a simple Thanksgiving dinner, whereas others make Thanksgiving into a big celebration and come together in a special manner, rejoice, and make resolutions. For others, Thanksgiving marks the Christmas shopping season, as Black Friday, Travel Tuesday, and other sales generally begin.
Is Thanksgiving related to God?
Thanksgiving is not a religious holiday. However, some people celebrate Thanksgiving in this way, as well as to celebrate the harvest and other autumn milestones. For a significant part of the US, Thanksgiving is related to commercial events like the Macy’s parade, which has marching bands and floats celebrating the autumn season and the harvest. Football games may also start up in this season. For others, Thanksgiving is a time to thank God or appreciate family and the blessings one has.
Is Thanksgiving tied to Christianity?
Thanksgiving has some roots in Christianity, as many of those who first celebrated this holiday were Christians. However, in the modern day, the holiday is considered secular because it isn’t tied directly to God for everyone. Anyone who wants to can celebrate Thanksgiving.
What is the rule for Thanksgiving?
The rule of Thanksgiving is that it is celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November. In 2024, Thanksgiving will be celebrated on Thursday, November 28th. The holiday falls on a different Thursday each year because of the way the Gregorian calendar shifts.
What should I do if I’m alone on Thanksgiving?
If you’re alone on Thanksgiving, consider giving thanks to your community by doing volunteer work, making cookies for your neighbors, or doing other good deeds to support the people around you. You can also make or order a Thanksgiving dinner for yourself and partake in hobbies you enjoy.
Why do I get anxiety during Thanksgiving?
Getting anxiety on Thanksgiving is normal. You might be anxious because of the pressure of the holiday, family conflict, relationship challenges, or past negative experiences during this time of year. Some people experience anxiety for no discernable reason. Talking to a therapist is one way to receive support for these feelings over the holidays. Online therapy may be available to you on holidays when in-person options aren’t available.
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