Thanksgiving and Attitude

After years in the UK you would think the absence of Thanksgiving Day would not matter any more. I’ve gotten accustomed to not having the holiday, but I still find some way to have a private version of it.

At this time of year, turkey and cranberry sandwiches show up in shops, and pubs begin offering a turkey-and-dressing seasonal meal special. While eating one of those, I let some good old fashioned American Thanksgiving feelings and thoughts wash through me.

This is a practice I’d like to continue. Thanksgiving represents a core element I don’t want to lose from the culture that produced me.

People in Britain talk about American optimism, but few understand what that means. On Thanksgiving Day it’s on full display. No matter how awful the times are or how dismal the outlook, the States spend this day celebrating whatever is worthy of thankfulness–especially family and friends.

This day of feasting and feeling grateful comes as we go into the darkest, coldest, most cruel heart of winter. It bolsters the spirit to pull through toward springtime, toward light, toward getting past whatever isn’t so great right now. It isn’t just about giving thanks. It’s also, at a deep subliminal level, about hope.

Britain has such rituals as the Day of Remembrance to honour those who died defending the country, but that’s narrower.

It is possible to endure all manner of trials and tribulations without a routine ritual of thankfulness and hopefulness. Heaven knows the British have proven that over and over. But it is harder without such a ritual.

If you’re struggling with something and you aren’t in the States, I highly recommend at least my private annual Thanksgiving ritual. Even if it’s just with a cheap turkey sandwich.

It won’t actually solve problems for you, but it makes them easier to bear.