During a recent bout of soul searching, I discovered that of all the myriad holidays celebrated in this country, Thanksgiving ranks first in my mind. Don’t get me wrong; I love Christmas just as much as the next — presumably Christian — guy; and I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for Halloween; but when you get right down to it, for me, Thanksgiving always takes the cake — or more accurately, the homemade pumpkin pie.
Much of the appeal of Thanksgiving is that it is, ultimately, a pretty down to earth Holiday. Sure it’s has that parade and a few football games, but the essence of the day is still very much intact. Where other heavy-hitting holidays like Christmas, Valentine’s Day, Easter, and Halloween and the have seemingly had their meanings lost in a sea of commercial one-upmanship, (see “Thanksgiving and Commercialism” on pg. 27) Thanksgiving is still about the basics: good food, good company and a dignified appreciation for the both.
Americans could learn a lot from Thanksgiving, because really, we have a lot to be thankful for. Sure we haven’t got it perfect, but in the grand scheme of things, we have it pretty good. While I’m all for any movement that can help the people of this country, (see “The People United” on pg. 8) I think it’s important for many members of the “99%” not to forget that just by existing on the American economic ladder, they are better off than most of this planet’s now 7 billion inhabitants.
Truthfully, the residents of the Preserve neighborhood should do a similar analysis of their situation. (See “Preserving the Preserve on pg. 6) Believe me, as someone who has lived next to a rather prodigious party house, I know that having rowdy, obnoxious neighbors can be hugely frustrating. But the thing is, on a list of problems in the world today, this issue ranks pretty damn near the bottom.
So, as you struggle through the bitter agony of finals week and make your way back to whatever place you call home, take a few minutes to reflect on everything it is that you have to be thankful for. Because, if I had to guess, a few minutes won’t really be enough.
