Thanksgiving cannot be discussed without acknowledging the colonial and imperialist implications of the holiday. The idea of a holiday being surrounded around gratitude while simultaneously reminding indigenous people of the trauma their ancestors endured is part of the problematic history of America. But centuries removed from the original events that took place, in a vacuum, Thanksgiving is arguably the best holiday.
Although a traditional Thanksgiving involves pumpkins, turkey and cranberry sauce, it’s really a holiday built around warmth and comfort. It’s a time for people to come together, throw on a cozy outfit and enjoy each other’s company. Thanksgiving is ostensibly autumn as a night.
Whereas most popular American Holidays people indulge in involve religious implications or an excuse to party, Thanksgiving is a happy in-between. One does not need to be a part of a religion or partake in substances in order to enjoy the Thanksgiving festivities.
Additionally, the beauty of Thanksgiving is that there is no right way to celebrate it. There is a beauty to being able to create traditions for a Holiday. I personally enjoy watching “Fantastic Mr. Fox” every year on Thanksgiving. Whether people enjoy watching a movie, the football game or simply coming together, there is no requirement for how to do Thanksgiving right.
You don’t have to celebrate with anybody you are not fond of. The popularity of “Friendsgiving” celebrations only emphasizes this as well. Bring your favorite food, sit with your favorite people and enjoy the atmosphere and joy that comes along with it.
Even still, if you’re required to spend the holiday with less favorable members of your family, there is a certain beauty to that as well. In a time where people are at their most divided politically, it is nice to be able to sit across the table over a slice of pie and debate the current state of politics. Whether one agrees with the election of Zohran Mamdani or supports the Big Beautiful Bill Act, no topic is too sacred to be discussed.
Let this year’s Thanksgiving be even more intense than the last. With all the rumors surrounding the new files that have been leaked, this is the perfect opportunity to start an entire family-wide battle surrounding recent reveals.
In a late-stage capitalist society where every holiday has become deeply monetized, it is also nice to see that Thanksgiving has mostly gone unscathed. Aside from a couple of movies that vaguely reference Thanksgiving, most marketing and media go straight from Halloween to Christmas. Marketing agencies seem to suggest “take down the Halloween lights and costumes and get an ugly sweater and some eggnog.” In doing so, this maintains the purity of the idea of Thanksgiving.
Unlike the costumes that are necessary for Halloween and the ugly sweaters for Christmas, there is no dress-code for Thanksgiving. This is a great time to pull out a nice fishermen’s sweater or herringbone sport coat; the only requirement is to come comfortable. Beanies, gloves and scarves are all welcome.
Even so, if none of this seems appealing, let this time off be a break. As seasonal depression increases, Thanksgiving is the last catapult before finals week. It’s the necessary time off one needs to gather before things start getting stressful and before the long winter break. Give Thanksgiving another chance.
