Spring Break
Everyone should be truly thankful on Thanksgiving
Alex Sanders
Issue date: 11/17/08 Section: Commentary
T is the season for snowfall and chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Actually, that part of the season has not yet dawned upon us. So why do stores skip from Halloween merchandise to Christmas décor? Sure, there is the occasional turkey centerpiece or cornucopia, but aside from grocery stores' laying out Thanksgiving goodies and farms' displaying their finest birds, Thanksgiving passes without much ado.
Stores may forget the holiday, but consumers should not. Thanksgiving is a rare non-denominational holiday that allows people to consume copious amounts of food while being forced to mingle with that estranged aunt that everyone always gossips about. However, Thanksgiving should be so much more than that. There may be more value to Thanksgiving than people realize - it isn't just about stuffing your face and passing out because of a tryptophan overdose.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Fla., and has been celebrated in new and better ways until the present day. It is the one holiday where people are required to spend a certain amount of time with family or friends and there are few, if any, superficial, pricey gifts associated with the holiday. It is a holiday about appreciating the people in your life, not just an escape from schoolwork for a week.
College students could actually get a lot out of hearing family stories, regardless of the frustration of 12 cousins staying in a four-bedroom house. I have learned some very interesting family stories and life lessons while sitting around the Thanksgiving table. Dinnertime conversation is underrated. People should talk about politics, the economy or the environment with members of their family that they don't usually hear from. It is always good to have an open mind, especially in college. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to gain a new perspective.
Thanksgiving could also benefit people in ways that may seem ironic. According to The New York Times, the local food trend that was prevalent this summer is becoming even more popular around Thanksgiving. Many farmers' markets in Connecticut are now offering more food variety later into the season to meet the demand. All of that fresh food is a nice alternative to store bought side dishes with additives and ingredients that are difficult for even the most eloquent to pronounce.
Stores may forget the holiday, but consumers should not. Thanksgiving is a rare non-denominational holiday that allows people to consume copious amounts of food while being forced to mingle with that estranged aunt that everyone always gossips about. However, Thanksgiving should be so much more than that. There may be more value to Thanksgiving than people realize - it isn't just about stuffing your face and passing out because of a tryptophan overdose.
The holiday was first celebrated in 1565 in what is now Saint Augustine, Fla., and has been celebrated in new and better ways until the present day. It is the one holiday where people are required to spend a certain amount of time with family or friends and there are few, if any, superficial, pricey gifts associated with the holiday. It is a holiday about appreciating the people in your life, not just an escape from schoolwork for a week.
College students could actually get a lot out of hearing family stories, regardless of the frustration of 12 cousins staying in a four-bedroom house. I have learned some very interesting family stories and life lessons while sitting around the Thanksgiving table. Dinnertime conversation is underrated. People should talk about politics, the economy or the environment with members of their family that they don't usually hear from. It is always good to have an open mind, especially in college. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to gain a new perspective.
Thanksgiving could also benefit people in ways that may seem ironic. According to The New York Times, the local food trend that was prevalent this summer is becoming even more popular around Thanksgiving. Many farmers' markets in Connecticut are now offering more food variety later into the season to meet the demand. All of that fresh food is a nice alternative to store bought side dishes with additives and ingredients that are difficult for even the most eloquent to pronounce.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Angela James
posted 3/09/09 @ 2:41 AM EST
Good information. Thanks for the post.
Janet Byles
posted 4/15/09 @ 1:54 PM EST
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
Janet Byles
posted 4/19/09 @ 5:56 AM EST
Very interesting site. Hope it will always be alive!
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