Thanksgiving Day became an official Federal holiday in 1863, when, during the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of "Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens." Families and friends get together and share meals, watch parades and football on tv, begin their holiday shopping, and enjoy each other's company. As part of all of this, we pause and are grateful for all we have.
On Thanksgiving, some attend church services and some says prayers within their family gathering. The significant thing here though is the thanks. In addition to giving thanks to God, it is certainly wonderful to so our appreciation to each other and to all who have been a blessing in our lives. Giving thanks can take many forms, but it is the key here. It's not about the turkey, the pumpkin pie, or the Harold Square parade in New York. All those other things are just added pieces of the celebration. This year there will be a lot less gathering, but hopefully still a lot of thanks!
Yes it's been a tough year, but regardless of what you do or where you do it, and regardless of what you eat (even if it's just a small frozen dinner all by yourself), take a moment to think about all you are grateful for. Give thanks to God by whatever name you call him, and be thankful for your friends and your family and all those who make a difference in your life. Today is about thanks-giving!
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