Thanksgiving is always a fun holiday to celebrate although sometimes we are caught jumping straight to Christmas. Most families in today’s world combine Thanksgiving and Christmas into one holiday. According to the Oklahoman, this is done so families only have to worry about getting together once a year instead of twice in the same time frame.
In my family, we have always traditionally celebrated Thanksgiving with a turkey and stuffing. We have always celebrated Christmas separately. For Christmas, my family follows pretty traditional activities. We eat dinner as a family on Christmas Eve and then open gifts on Christmas morning. However, sometimes I find it hard to comprehend that not all families are the same.
I understand why families would change the festivities of both holidays to fit their schedules. I believe that we should try to celebrate Thanksgiving before moving on to Christmas. You don’t even need a big dinner to celebrate Thanksgiving, you just need to tell those who are close to you how you appreciate them and what all in your life you are Thankful for. For the record, that is the original purpose of Thanksgiving, to recognize everything and everyone you are thankful for.
Thanksgiving can create wonderful memories of you with your loved ones. Having a whole day to watch football and eat great food. One of the best parts of Thanksgiving is the nap you can take after eating a huge meal. Then, you wake up to the yummy smell of pumpkin pie. Black Friday shopping is also a hit for people looking to shop Thanksgiving night or the day after.
According to The Diamondback, one of the reasons Thanksgiving is getting less and less attention is that stores are starting to skip right over Thanksgiving and go straight to Christmas. Stores are starting to combine the Halloween decorations and the Thanksgiving decorations to all become fall-themed. Then after Halloween passes they are already putting out Christmas merchandise.
Don’t get me wrong I love Christmas. In fact, Christmas is my favorite holiday. I love Christmas Eve, the cookies, and spending time with family. At the same time, I think Thanksgiving needs just as much attention because it is the perfect time to recognize what you are thankful for. You also get the opportunity to thank the people who play an important role in your life.
Thanksgiving can have its upsides too. Some people don’t take the time to recognize them. According to Strausnews, although people with different cultures may not partake in it, this served as a good break from school, work, and other activities to provide time for you and the family to come together and have a break from all that is going on in your daily lives.”
I think it is great for all those people who go straight to Christmas because it is a wonderful holiday. Although there is a two-month gap in between where you could do other things. My suggestion would be to live in the moment because life’s too short to be wishing it away.
Sources:
https://www.oklahoman.com/story/news/2003/11/24/thanksgiving-is-becoming-overlooked/62014388007/
https://strausnews.com/ditmasexaminer/2020/02/why-is-thanksgiving-overlooked/
