On Giving Thanks

 The first Thanksgiving took place in 1621 in Plymouth, Massachusetts and was really a harvest celebration. The Native Americans heard gunshots and thought the pilgrims were preparing for war. It turned out they were just hunting for food for the feast.  The pilgrims invited the Native Americans to join them at the feast which lasted for three days!

The first Thanksgiving feast consisted of deer, shellfish, corn, roasted meat and cranberries. My favorite thing about the Thanksgiving meal is the mashed potatoes. This year I am going to try some turkey. Most foods served at Thanksgiving meals today weren’t served at the first Thanksgiving. Turkey and mashed potatoes are good examples of food that probably were not served then.  I also love pumpkin pie which was not served at the first Thanksgiving either.

President Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday. He made two Thanksgivings: one to celebrate the battle of Gettysburg and the other to celebrate our blessings or other things we are thankful for. Thanksgiving is now a one day celebration in November and is a time to give thanks for all we have. It is important to be thankful for what you have rather than think about what you may not have. It is especially important to tell the people you care about how grateful you are for them. I am thankful for my home, food, friends, and family.  What will you be thankful for this Thanksgiving?