When asked about holidays during the cold season, what is the first thought that comes to mind? For most people, the immediate answer would either be Halloween or Christmas. Only a select few would mention Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is, to most, a day to gorge on good food and then sit through forced socialization. The original celebration of Thanksgiving is the autumn harvest, shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag in 1621. 

Over the years, most people have changed their meaning of Thanksgiving. Most people in the United States celebrate Thanksgiving as a day to be thankful for what they have and where they are in life.

For some, this might not sound as good as receiving candy or presents, but if you take the time to appreciate what’s around you, the day can mean a lot.

It’s a time for families to come together without any expectations of gifts occupying their minds. From spending time with the ones you love, to sometimes indulging in family traditions, it’s a priceless experience. 

Some families watch the football game or the Macy’s Day Parade on Thanksgiving, while others bake a dish that they only make once a year, or have their own competitive game. Traditions don’t always have to be an unbearable activity that your Aunt Susan always forces you to participate in.

Stopping to reflect on what you’re grateful for is a tradition that most, if not all families partake in. This could be considered one of the more tedious acts, but if you take a minute to try, you may realize how meaningful it can be.