I hope you have a fantastic Thanksgiving! Is money really everything in life? It is time to hit the pause button on markets, put the spreadsheets away, and enjoy the company of your loved ones. Thanksgiving is cherished across the US as a time to gather with family and friends, reflect on what we are grateful for and if tradition calls feast on turkey (personally, I will stick with my vegetarian menu, thank you).
Thanksgiving’s origins trace back to the early 17th century when a group of English Pilgrims, tired of religious strife and probably bad weather, sailed across the Atlantic to Plymouth, Massachusetts, in 1620. They arrived just in time for a brutal winter that made them rethink their life choices. Fortunately, the Wampanoag people, led by Squanto, a man with both agricultural skills and the patience of a saint helped the newcomers survive by teaching them how to grow crops and establish peaceful relations.
By fall 1621, the Pilgrims had a good harvest, thanks to some serious help, and celebrated with a three-day feast with the Wampanoag people. While the exact date is lost to history, it was likely in late September or October.
Fast forward a few centuries, Thanksgiving was not an annual thing right away. In 1789, George Washington suggested a national day of thanks, but it did not catch on consistently. Enter Sarah Josepha Hale, the 19th-century editor and writer who was basically the original influencer. After writing endless letters to politicians and presidents, she finally convinced Abraham Lincoln to declare Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863 during the Civil War, no less.
Later, in 1941, Franklin D. Roosevelt made Thanksgiving official, setting it on the fourth Thursday of November. Here we are today, celebrating with turkey, stuffing, and an avalanche of pumpkin-flavored everything.
So, as you dive into mashed potatoes or tofu turkey (your choice), remember to take a moment to reflect, share a laugh, and enjoy the day. After all, there is no better way to say “thanks” than with good food, good company, and a healthy dose of humor.