A Note From Thanksgiving

Post written by Pete Strub.

Hi, I’m Thanksgiving and today is my day. I don’t usually get a lot of publicity outside of today, and that’s usually the way I like it, but there are some things going on with the other holidays that I don’t really appreciate. It’s time for me to step up and be recognized for what I am: the best holiday on the calendar. It didn’t used to be this way; there was a time when I was clearly no better than 3rd or 4th on the list, but times have changed.

Normally, I wouldn’t talk badly about others, it’s not what I’m about – usually I’m the thankful sort. But some of the other holidays have lost their way and they need to be called out. Take Christmas for instance. When I was first born on that wonderful fall evening in 1621, I looked up to Christmas as a role model. He was a holiday with such strong values. He was all about Jesus, family, and giving, and everywhere he went, love went with him. Truly, he was an inspiration and I wish you could have known him back then. Today? Well, he seems to be caught up in the material possessions a little too much. He wears thousand dollar suits everywhere he goes; he drives a Bentley; he wears gold watches; and instead of spending time with the rest of us, he just sends us pricey gifts as if that makes up for love. Not only that, but he has also monopolized a good share of the calendar. It used to be that he only had control of December, but over the past few years, he has reached into November, past Thanksgiving, and this year he even reached past Halloween. He now controls all of November and December – that’s 17% of the year! I am not one to complain, so I didn’t say anything when he started taking over my territory, but I’m not sure if Halloween will take it so well – I wouldn’t be surprised to see Santa’s sleigh get TP’d this year. Personally, I’m kind of worried for Christmas. When I talk to him now, he seems distant and sad. He only cares about things and I have even seen him spiking his eggnog at gatherings.

Christmas isn’t the only one who has lost his way, though. After Christmas started getting territorial, some of the other Holidays followed suit. St. Valentine has claimed everything in January and February, and Easter has claimed most of March and April. Materialism is spreading far and wide, too. St. Valentine has replaced true romance with fancy dinners and expensive gifts. Even Easter is getting in on the materialism. Every spring, she worries about finding the perfect dress and insists on pushing her pastel candy on everyone. It makes me sad. She and Christmas used to be quite the pair celebrating the birth and resurrection of our savior, but they barely even speak to each other now. It’s kind of like a couple who used to be really young and in love but kind of forgot each other and married their careers instead. Every time I look at them I feel empty.

There is good news, though: I have stayed true to myself. You may not have noticed because I’m not as flashy as Christmas, as sexy as St. Valentine, not as pretty as Easter, or as mysterious as Halloween, but I am the best holiday you have left. My values are simple – family and thankfulness. I represent the thankfulness that the pilgrims had when God provided them with food and friendly neighbors to help grow the food. Today you are probably gathering with your family to celebrate each other and all of your blessings. You won’t be exchanging expensive gifts, just sharing good food, and you haven’t been stressing about me for the last two months, you’re just appreciating me today. And today, on my day, I’m asking you just one thing: Don’t change me! I like myself just the way I am. Please don’t ever start exchanging presents on my day. Don’t get caught up in shopping for the meal (the food is just a trick to get your families together). Don’t start decorating for me months in advance. And please, don’t lose sight of my values. God has blessed you. Be thankful. Celebrate with your family.

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