I sometimes sit and wonder if the way the world has gotten if anyone remembers the meaning of Thanksgiving. It seems more and more that we celebrate holidays for the wrong reason anymore. We have commercialized times that were meant to bring together friends and family. Looking at all the ads for material objects I wonder if our world is really better today. My wish for everyone this Thanksgiving is to simply remember to give thanks for what you have.
For instance I give thanks this year for the wonderful family I have had. For my mother, father, brothers and sister, my grandparents, and all the nieces and nephews. I give thanks because they are the greatest people I know. I also give thanks for all the wonderful friends I've made over the internet over the past year. To all of you over JTV that have been there for me over the past year.
Truthfully everyone should take the time out to give thanks. Thanksgiving is supposed to be a day to reflect on and be happy for what you have and not what material thing you want. I sometimes wonder what the world would be like if everyone gave thanks all year long as opposed to just one day. Then again I have been wondering if anyone takes the time to give thanks anymore even on Thanksgiving. It's almost as if society is more worried about what they want to buy. Thanksgiving is nothing more than a day to mark the beginning of great retail deals. We as a society have forgotten the real meaning. Does anyone remember when days like Thanksgiving were sacred? When companies would shut down for a day to give their employees an opportunity to spend time with their families? It seems more and more businesses are going with the stance of being open 364 days a year with Christmas being the only day they close. But as we keep moving forward I feel soon even Christmas will just be another work day.
Going into more depth you could say that the decline in actual holidays have had an effect on American society as a whole. For instance did you know the current rate of children per American family has decreased to around 1.5 children? I almost feel part of it has to do with our culture of work , work, work. So for Thanksgiving if you have to opportunity give Thanks for what you have. If you can't go and see your family at least give them a call to tell them you love them. That is what Thanksgiving is for. Hopefully this message will touch someone today.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Eric S. Fairgrieve
