Thanksgiving came and went and now I’m headed back to NYC! While I am very thankful for friends, family, food, and readers (hey, you!), I don’t think I’m going to celebrate a traditional Turkey Day next year.
Here’s why:
1. The History of Thanksgiving is Shameful and Deplorable
I’ve been hearing about it for a while, but didn’t know the details surrounding the origins of Thanksgiving until a post by Lupita Nyong’o yesterday. On Instagram, she wrote, “In the year 1637, 700 unarmed Native Americans of the Pequot tribe were shot and burned alive by English and Dutch mercenaries in Massachusetts who wanted their land. The next day the governor declared “A Day of Thanksgiving” to celebrate the ‘victory.’ Today, Thanksgiving is a day for families to get together to show and share gratitude. The dark history of the holiday need not overshadow the light we experience, but inform it. I hold this somber history close to me today as I spend time with the American faction of my family. When we hold these truths to the light, we ensure that history does not repeat itself.
The Original Americans are still under duress, fighting for the conservation of their land, their water, their rights in Standing Rock, North Dakota. Though I am not physically there, I stand with them and give thanks to all else who do too.” Amen. We can’t be aware of civil rights issues affecting the African-American community without sympathizing with the plight of Native Americans and other disenfranchised minorities. It’s irresponsible. So I stand with them as well. Someone said there is a link on Amazon to buy supplies to send to North Dakota. I went on Amazon and didn’t find it. Please leave a comment if you have more information!
2. Beans, greens, potatoes, tomatoes…can get tired
Shirley Caesar’s Thanksgiving song is certainly entertaining (the video above is my favorite), but…I’m tired of Thanksgiving food. I’ve been having macaroni, ham, green beans, collard greens, and turkey every Thanksgiving for over 30 years! My friend said his sister switches it up and gets crab legs, which sounds delicious! Otherwise, I’ll pass on the turkey for more exotic fair in the future.
3. Boredom
I spent most of yesterday in pajamas, eating, sleeping, and watching TV. Next year, maybe I’ll take that day and go to a Spa or do some sort of retreat.
4. The Amount of Food is Unhealthy
I’m a Curvy girl and try to watch my weight! This holiday is not my friend! Eating a bunch of carbs and falling asleep is not the wave for my waistline.
5. Give Thanks Every Day
We see pictures of celebrities giving away Turkeys on Thanksgiving, which is great! But giving back and giving thanks should happen all year round. This year has been really busy for me, but next year, my focus will be on giving back. Not just in giving donations to charities, but lending my time and energy to organizations that are close to my heart. Thank GOD every day. Be thankful for your friends and family every day. Give to those in need every day. Don’t just wait for a holiday.
I’m about creating new traditions. Maybe even traveling. Just switching it up.
What about you?
Love + Light,
