Next to Christmas, Thanksgiving on the fourth Thursday of November is America’s favorite holiday. Thanksgivings have been celebrated in harvest seasons by many peoples and places from early times.
Thanks to New Hampshire poetry-writing widow Sarah Josepha Hale for inspiring America’s Thanksgiving. She petitioned five US presidents to make it a national holiday. President Abraham Lincoln listened and issued this proclamation in 1863. “The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies. To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature, that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible.” You probably also know a nursery rhyme Sarah Hale wrote, “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”
Canada formalized the holiday in 1879 when their Governor General proclaimed, “A Day of General Thanksgiving to Almighty God for the bountiful harvest with which Canada has been blessed.” However, they celebrate on the second Monday of each October, closer to farm harvest dates. In French it’s called, Jour de l’Action de grâce—day of the action of grace.” I love the ring of that.
I encourage people everywhere to think about who we’re thanking and why. I’d love to see us write long lists and add more items every day.
I’m blessed to enjoy family and friends near modest homes in two locations that make me rich in memories and relationships. Please share what you are thankful for, and have a truly blessed and wonderful Thanksgiving.
PS – If you read my blogs and posts, you know that my newest book, A Traveling Grandma’s Guide to Israel: Adventures, Wit, and Wisdom discusses a nation and peoples very dear to my heart. This is the first of my books to be offered on professional audio and might be available by the time you read this. I’ll announce word of that release—just in time for the holidays.
Correction–a member of the Milaca Friends of the Library informed me those delicious coffee shortbread cookies were really made by Yvonne S. They are delicious and addictive. I have not tasted finer. Thank you, Yvonne!