Thanksgiving can’t come fast enough.
It is the quintessential American holiday, born on these shores from genuine religious faith, mixed with gratitude and appreciation for all the gifts this land has to offer. The promise inherent in Thanksgiving is its ability to knit together the diverse tapestry of American society around a shared table.
It’s the time of year when Americans break bread with family and friends from near and far to celebrate our good fortunes and to renew our strength. It’s always a rewarding experience to see our loved ones and enjoy a day of relaxation, football and a great meal.
People should take the time to enjoy the company of loved ones, play with the kids and listen patiently to the stories retold by grandparents and elderly aunts and uncles. It will pay dividends that can’t be measured on a balance sheet.
Having a national holiday like Thanksgiving allows us the freedom to disengage from our typical hectic schedules, to give thanks and be present in the joy of the moment. It’s a priceless gift.
At the end of the day, Thanksgiving is a deeply comforting ritual hardwired in the American psyche and is a day we long for every year.
That is why we need Thanksgiving.
It’s also important to pause and say a prayer for the safe return of our soldiers and sailors stationed in far away places across the world who remain separated from their loved ones on Thanksgiving while protecting our cherished freedoms.
And let’s not forget the tradition of the annual Thanksgiving Day football game with North Reading. It starts Thursday at 10:30 a.m. at North Reading High’s Arthur J. Kenney Field.
While Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the craziest time of year — the holidays — Turkey Day is an opportunity to pause, reflect and soak it all in. And while you’re at it, enjoy a slice of pie.
Happy Thanksgiving!
