Thanksgiving is often celebrated with a table full of food that everyone loves. This includes turkey, stuffing, corn, and basically all of the classic dishes that make this holiday special. While the food plays an important role in the celebration, there is so much more to Thanksgiving than the food that is brought on the table.
Gratitude, family, togetherness and remembering the early American history that brought us together should be the heart of this holiday. Thanksgiving reminds us to appreciate the people in our lives and the good things that many of us often take for granted. It is a time for family and friends to come together, share what they’re thankful for, and create lasting memories.
Sadly, the true meaning of Thanksgiving can sometimes be overshadowed by the excitement over food and traditions. Even though it can be enjoyable, it should not be the main picture. Instead, this time should be used on reflecting what you have in life and sharing that gratitude with others. We should also use this holiday to think about how we can give back to those who may not have that much to celebrate.
One meaningful way families can start this holiday is by watching the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade together. This has been around since 1924 playing a key role in Macy’s brand visibility. It is a way to celebrate the holiday’s spirit by featuring giant balloons, floats, performances and much more. Even though it does not directly express gratitude, it brings everyone together whether it be in person or on television to reflect on the creativity and effort behind it. It reminds us that Thanksgiving is also about the joy of community and the hard work that goes into creating something for everyone to enjoy.
Additionally, The Macy’s Parade is a way of saying “thank you” to performers and viewers for being a part of something meaningful that everyone involved puts when understanding the level of creativity, time, and effort for what the designers, artists, and organizers had to do. This parade showcases the beauty of creativity and the joy that gratitude and togetherness bring for us.
Beyond the dinner table, Thanksgiving should truly be about spending quality time with your loved ones. By shifting our focus to gratitude, it will deepen the true meaning of it, shifting the focus away from just the food, showing that it is not just a holiday, it is a day to appreciate the people around us, reflect on what we are grateful for, and share these moments with others.
