Thanks and Giving

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag (wahm-pah-no-ahg) Indians shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged today as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies. For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn't until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.  --History.com



"The First Thanksgiving" by Jennie Branscombe

On the same day that many Americans will be overindulging in turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes or lasagna, salad and garlic bread, many Native Americans and their supporters will gather on Coles Hill, overlooking Plymouth Rock for The National Day of Mourning.

The first National Day of Mourning was held in 1970. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts invited Wampanoag leader Frank James to deliver a speech. When the text of Mr. James’ speech, a powerful statement of anger at the history of oppression of the Native people of America, became known before the event, the Commonwealth "disinvited" him. That silencing of a strong and honest Native voice led to the convening of the National Day of Mourning.  --Pilgrimhall.org

See, history books were written by the winners.  It takes a lot of digging to find the Wampanoag version of historical events.  Within 50 years of that First Thanksgiving, they were driven from their land, oppressed, enslaved and even killed for being who they were.  (The Puritans were especially execrable.  They pressed the Native People between boards piled with rocks.)  Black Americans do not hold the title of Most Discriminated Against.

I'm getting off my soapbox now.  This short alternate-view history lesson is to show you perspective.

The 4th Thursday in November has become a time for gathering together with family and being thankful for our blessings.  For me, I really try to stop and be thankful for all I have.  To count my blessings.  To look around me at those who have less.  And to prepare to give.  In our commercialized society, it has been the day of rest before the "official" beginning of the Christmas shopping season.  Think Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.  The most in-your-face advertising strategy I know of!  This year, I noticed many retailers--stores and websites--started their Christmas sales a few days before Thanksgiving.
 
I have no need of charitable contributions for tax deductions.  As a Social Security Disability Benefits recipient, I don't pay income tax.  Even when I did pay income tax, I never felt the need to wait until the end of the year to give to charity.  There are people needing help all year round.  I'm a generous and thoughtful person.

Perspective.

I am also greedy, envious and covetous.  And an egregious steward of money.  I lack discipline and self-control.  My profligacy has caused me no end of regret, remorse and consternation.  Those closest to me try to keep me in line, and that helps.

BUT--I love to give.  And reflecting on what I have helps me to prepare for the Christmas giving season.  At the same time, I need to plan.  If I go out to buy toys for the Toy Drive without setting limits, I'll spend compulsively--to my own detriment.  So, I make my list, plan my route and brace myself for the plunge into the sea of humanity that makes Black Friday the retailer's D-Day.

But first, I'm going to eat!!
Yum!