Thanksgiving: An American Tradition

Thanksgiving stands out as a distinctly American holiday.

While some other nations have their own days for prayer and thanks, none really capture the essence of American Thanksgiving. In Europe, for instance, established countries often dismiss the idea of celebrating the values and sentiments tied to Thanksgiving. Sure, they might recognize national milestones like successful harvests or military victories, and there could be days dedicated to reflecting on specific tragedies, but the concept of setting aside a day each year for gratitude seems to be a quirk of bold, rural Americans. For them, it almost feels beneath the dignity of a powerful nation to halt daily life for expressions of thankfulness.

To feel gratitude can sometimes suggest a recognition of vulnerability. Expressing thanks implies that successes—whether personal or national—aren’t solely individual achievements. It’s about pausing to reflect on past experiences, the good mixed with the bad, and acknowledging that some outcomes are influenced by others.

The common perception of self-made individuals often overlooks the reality. These people tend to believe their success stems exclusively from their own efforts, disregarding the contributions of others. There’s a certain obsession with personal accolades that makes acknowledging any kind of help feel awkward, perhaps even shameful.

For them, gratitude feels more like a polite gesture, an obligation rather than genuine appreciation. This idea is reflected in Jimmy Stewart’s character, Charlie Anderson, in the film “Shenandoah,” where he expresses thanks while insisting on the self-sufficient nature of their hard work.

Many chuckle at this portrayal, yet some may relate. Their expressions of thanks might just be a reluctant acknowledgment of a cultural expectation, rather than a heartfelt return of gratitude.

The truth is, no one truly achieves success in isolation, and nothing is accomplished without effort. The successes of a nation are often the cumulative results of its people’s sacrifices for the common good. When nations prosper, individuals gain from that too.

Early American settlers quickly understood that their community’s survival relied on more than just personal effort. Their labor was, fundamentally, a tribute to a higher power that blessed them with abundance. They appreciated the hard work of others but recognized that various factors beyond their own control contributed to their success.

It’s not surprising that their faith played a significant role in this understanding. Sadly, this often gets mischaracterized as a stereotype of uneducated individuals placing faith in mystical forces.

But does Thanksgiving still hold significance today? Sure, we can express appreciation for our loved ones and the teamwork that helps us achieve our goals. However, when we deeply reflect on achievement and happiness, something larger than ourselves—or our immediate experiences—comes into play that prevents us from taking sole credit.

Could bringing God back into Thanksgiving lead us astray? It used to be that atheism was viewed as a hallmark of the educated elite, with science providing all the answers while faith was left for those who needed comfort. But that view is growing outdated. The emptiness left by extreme skepticism can often lead to discontent and confusion.

Recently, we’re seeing a surge of faith among academics and scientists, a reminder that belief in a creator doesn’t negate rational thought. It emphasizes that individual strength isn’t self-derived and that nations should not place themselves at the center of all spirituality. Understanding our existence through a divine lens reminds us of a profound truth: we are shaped by something greater.

Such beliefs were widely accepted until the 20th century when society veered away from deeper truths and embraced fleeting ideologies. The resulting emptiness has driven many to seek meaning in faith, wanting religion to inform and guide them.

Now, as we navigate the 21st century, embracing Thanksgiving’s uniqueness feels especially relevant. We can express gratitude not only for food, family, and friends but also for those unseen blessings—those life events and oddities that shape our existence. It’s worthwhile to recognize divine providence and guidance.

Even someone facing terminal illness can, to the end, express profound thankfulness for their life, experiences, and love. No matter how daunting the situation, gratitude remains a powerful practice.

This Thanksgiving, let’s lean into the reasons for our appreciation, inviting God back into our celebrations, and acknowledging all the small blessings we often overlook, attributing them to His care and love.