Photo by Zeetz Jones (CC BY 2.0)

Saying what we are grateful for around the Thanksgiving table is just one of many traditions we should appreciate.

As Halloween decorations come down and the spooky season comes to a close, many people enthusiastically look forward to the upcoming holiday season. Christmas trees are adorned in living rooms and stores are transformed into a winter wonderland; it seems that the holidays are already in full swing by the time Nov. 1 hits. While everyone loves to enjoy the long awaited holiday season, there’s no reason we can’t acknowledge Thanksgiving first. 

Many see Thanksgiving as an excuse for a four day weekend, but it’s time we start embracing it as more than just that. Thanksgiving is a wonderful time for gratitude and appreciation. The holiday gives everyone a chance to take a step back from their busy lives and spend time with loved ones without the hectic responsibility of buying tons of gifts. Thanksgiving is one of the only holidays dedicated to simply reflecting, enjoying good food and reconnecting with family. 

We also can’t forget that Thanksgiving has an array of its own special traditions and festivals to anticipate. Events like watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and having a classic turkey feast with family are what make the holiday unique and deserve to be recognized. The warm and autumnal atmosphere associated with Thanksgiving makes it a great holiday, so let’s start making it a more celebrated event. 

Allowing Thanksgiving to have its own “season” for enjoyment will also make the Christmas season feel more special. When festivities begin too early, it can take away from the holidays and make the wait feel too long. By giving Thanksgiving more attention, it allows for more excitement to build up around the holidays as Dec. 1 approaches. 

So this year, before getting too excited for the upcoming holidays, let’s take some time to appreciate Thanksgiving and all of the festivities that come with it. We should bask in the final days of autumn before the cold hits and stop taking for granted all of Thanksgiving’s special traditions. Instead, let’s appreciate the holiday for what it is, a time to be grateful for all of our privileges. 

Photo credit: “Our (Almost Traditional) Thanksgiving Dinner” by Zeetz Jones is licensed under (CC BY 2.0)