Q: I've noticed a couple of things. Lately there has been no Thanksgiving in the stores. What I mean by that is that it goes form Halloween straight to Christmas. And it seems all Thanksgiving is anymore is us getting together eating food, the men watch the food while the women clean up and then everyone leaves as soon as they can. Now I'm noticing that people aren't even calling Thanksgiving thanksgiving anymore there calling it turkey day. Does this prove my point that were a bunch of spoiled brats and aren't thankful for anything? Also do you need to know the origin if Thanksgiving to really appreciatee. And is this holiday really all about food. Just like Christmas is all about getting presents? Just tell me what you think.
A: It certainly does seem to be that way... you are not alone in believing that the world has become more materialistic and less insightful about what truly is important in life. Turkey Day started as a fanciful name for Thanksgiving- it's easier to say, and a nice symbol to the origin of the holiday. But it somehow became nothing more than a day or two off from school, and a lame excuse to gorge ourselves. My boyfriend disagrees- he says that it's a celebration of what we have, but do we really need to indulge in excess more than we already have? The truth is, less and less people are giving to charity, helping out the underprivileged, and it' is a shame. Perhaps it would be more meaningful if for that day we fasted, and experienced hunger or what it was to want for something. Maybe that would make Americans appreciate the bounty of what we have- instead of an extravagant, calorie-filled meal that only widens our waist sizes and heightens our cupidity. Thanks for bringing up this vital issue. Have a very happy holiday.