Beech Tree News Network

Historically, Thanksgiving began as a tradition of celebrating the harvest of the year. It is currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. This holiday is a time for family gatherings, hearty meals and counting life’s blessings.

In the United States, certain foods are often associated with the traditional Thanksgiving meal. Some of those foods include turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes with gravy, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, sweet corn, fall vegetables such as squash, and pumpkin pie. Other dishes reflect the region or cultural background of those who have come together for the meal. Most families have favorite dishes in addition to or instead of the traditional dishes. My mother-in-law includes spaghetti as a side dish, and if it were not included, her grandchildren would give her a hard time.

Thanksgiving has become a holiday with many facets. It’s a break from work and school; it’s a popular shopping weekend; and it’s a time of giving thanks. Please see what others have said about the holiday:

•    Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action. --W.J. Cameron

•    Thanksgiving Day comes, by statute, once a year; to the honest man it comes as frequently as the heart of gratitude will allow. --Edward Sandford Martin

•    We can always find something to be thankful for, no matter what may be the burden of our wants, or the special subject of our petitions. --Albert Barnes

•    Some people complain because God put thorns on roses, while others praise Him for putting roses among thorns. --Anonymous

•    You say, 'If I had a little more, I should be very satisfied.' You make a mistake. If you are not content with what you have, you would not be satisfied if it were doubled. --Charles Haddon Spurgeon

•    Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise; be thankful unto him, and bless his name. For the Lord is good.... --Psalm 100:4, 5a

Thanksgiving is a family-orientated holiday. My family, like many of yours, enjoys not only the food, but also the televised football games, the time with family, and sometimes, competitive board or card games at the end of the day. This year, I’ll be giving thanks for a wonderful family and treasured friends. I wish you a peaceful Thanksgiving Day