Thanksgiving in North America had originated from a mix of European and Native traditions. Typically in Europe, festivals were held before and after the harvest cycles to give thanks for a good harvest and to rejoice together after much hard work with the rest of the community.
At the time, Native Americans had also celebrated the end of a harvest season. When Europeans first arrived to the Americas, they brought with them their own harvest festival traditions from Europe, celebrating their safe voyage, peace and good harvest.
The origin of the first Thanksgiving in Canada goes back to the explorer, Martin Frobisher, who had been trying to find a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. Frobisher's Thanksgiving celebration was not for harvest, but in thanks for surviving the long journey from England through the perils of storms and icebergs.
Most days, I wake up and ask myself, "what am I thankful for today?" There are about seven items that come to mind:
1. My health
2. My family and friends
3. My job
4. My faith
5. Frankie and Cooper
6. My home (when I don't have to shovel snow)
7. Peace (at least in my little neck of the world)
At this time of year there are seven other items I am thankful for:
1. I don't eat turkey
2. I'm not a turkey
3. I am not a sitting member of the Super Committee
4 My aunt called and said she is making turkey and I am invited to her house
5. I have the day off
6. I am working on Black Friday
And number 7. I don't eat tofurkey nor have I ever eaten tofurkey.
Please take time and express your gratitude this week and let the Thanksgiving festivities commence.
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