Chloe Asher
Writer '18
On the 24th of November every year, people across America put their work and school on hold to instead spend the day with family and friends. The tradition of Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when the English colonists and Native Americans had a three-day festival involving feasting and hunting to celebrate their first successful harvest. The pilgrims faced many troubles during migration, like contagious disease and malnutrition. Finally, they were helped by the Native Americans who taught them essentials to survive: how to farm, catch fish in the rivers, avoid deadly plants, and form alliances with other tribes. Classics we eat this November, like turkey, pumpkin pie, or potatoes, were not in this celebration because they were yet to be introduced to New England. This did not become a national holiday to reflect gratefulness until the 19th century, and now it is an important aspect of America’s annual celebration.
Thanksgiving has become a holiday in which individuals, who are thankful, come together to share gratitude and appreciation for the positive aspects of their lives. Kids come back from schools to spend time with their parents and distant family members are able to rejoice. In Great Neck, adults overall state that they are thankful for their family, health, and wealth, and rightfully so; in Great Neck most are fortunately living untroubled and happy lives. However, not all, children and adults alike, truly understand how grateful they should be for the commodities they are graciously given, as well as the deep meaning behind Thanksgiving itself. It is important to regularly practice gratefulness ‒according to the University of California, Berkeley, those who are grateful have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, greater positivity, more generosity, and less loneliness. Gratitude is a necessity for not only relationships and mental behavior by improving your outlook on life, but also physical wellness.
It is important that one does not take things for granted because it might not be realized how good something is until it is gone. Choosing to not be grateful will result in a less healthy, happy life with great regrets. Spend time with family members, laugh, and reflect on the positive outcomes of history. This Thanksgiving, express gratitude and make sure appreciation is given to loved ones to ensure a wonderful holiday season and life.
Writer '18
On the 24th of November every year, people across America put their work and school on hold to instead spend the day with family and friends. The tradition of Thanksgiving originated in 1621 when the English colonists and Native Americans had a three-day festival involving feasting and hunting to celebrate their first successful harvest. The pilgrims faced many troubles during migration, like contagious disease and malnutrition. Finally, they were helped by the Native Americans who taught them essentials to survive: how to farm, catch fish in the rivers, avoid deadly plants, and form alliances with other tribes. Classics we eat this November, like turkey, pumpkin pie, or potatoes, were not in this celebration because they were yet to be introduced to New England. This did not become a national holiday to reflect gratefulness until the 19th century, and now it is an important aspect of America’s annual celebration.
Thanksgiving has become a holiday in which individuals, who are thankful, come together to share gratitude and appreciation for the positive aspects of their lives. Kids come back from schools to spend time with their parents and distant family members are able to rejoice. In Great Neck, adults overall state that they are thankful for their family, health, and wealth, and rightfully so; in Great Neck most are fortunately living untroubled and happy lives. However, not all, children and adults alike, truly understand how grateful they should be for the commodities they are graciously given, as well as the deep meaning behind Thanksgiving itself. It is important to regularly practice gratefulness ‒according to the University of California, Berkeley, those who are grateful have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, greater positivity, more generosity, and less loneliness. Gratitude is a necessity for not only relationships and mental behavior by improving your outlook on life, but also physical wellness.
It is important that one does not take things for granted because it might not be realized how good something is until it is gone. Choosing to not be grateful will result in a less healthy, happy life with great regrets. Spend time with family members, laugh, and reflect on the positive outcomes of history. This Thanksgiving, express gratitude and make sure appreciation is given to loved ones to ensure a wonderful holiday season and life.