Thankforwhatgiving???

As we all gather for this fine repast, the question might arise. What are we thankful for? It's a good question. So lets ponder it shall we.

Wikipedia states :
Thanksgiving Day is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. While it may have been religious in origin, Thanksgiving is now primarily identified as a secular holiday.  It is sometimes casually referred to as Turkey Day.

Well, while a harvest festival is great and all, most of the people are hitting the supermarket, so it really doesn't count unless your a farmer. Turkey day name kinda of kills the thankfulness idea. Unless your thankful for gluttony which really is no reason to have a holiday. We also can take the story about the Pilgrams and the Indians, At least the one I was told in elementary school. In which the gathered together for bountiful harvest and celebrate the sharing for knowledge. Great story for children but hard to really swallow now that I'm an adult. With it ending in the supplanting a indigenous culture and making it look all rosey just doesn't sit right with me.

So I guess that just leaves us to wonder, what are we thankful for? What is so important that I want to give thanks for it? Celebrate it as a  holiday and is not make it feel superficial. Give it meaning? Times are tough, watching the news and listening to people talk, you see that there are plenty with alot less than you or I might have. Not saying we have much, but still you get the picture. Could I give thanks for that and not feel contrite. I guess its possible. I mean I work hard, that means something. What about the friends, family, pets I have? Yeah,  I really am thankful for them. Life would be meaningless to me with out them. I mean who really wants to be alone?

I guess what I'm saying is lets all put a little persective on this holiday again. Lets all be sure that we put the "Thanks" back in the Thanksgiving. So when you look around the table today and start to gaze at the food your about to eat and the people who have gathered to be with you.  Take a moment and reflect on who and what you have and  on what they mean to you and be sure to give them the proper "Thanks" and cherish the moment. I know I will.

Happy Thanksgiving Everyone.