Happy Thanksgiving 2010!

[Kris_Roth]

It's that time once again to go over the river and through the woods, to visit relatives for the annual feast that is "Thanksgiving."

The "first" Thanksgiving was held in 1621 by the Puritans, a group of English men and women who seperated from the Anglican church, citing religious intolerance. These brave men, women, and children went on the Mayflower, the ship that would take them to the new colony in Virigina, Jamestown. However, strong winds blew the Mayflower up north, in an area they named Plymouth Rock, after the town in England, where they started.

That first winter, they were unprepared. Many of the colonists died from disease and starvation. The 100 or so survivors decided to sign the Mayflower Compact, a document that helped establish the colony's rules and regulations, based off of Judeo-Christian princibles, like "He that does not not work, does not eat." That next spring, the colonists were met by a Native American who spoke English, named Squanto. He was taken as a slave from his lands in America, and sent to England, where he learned English, and then found his way back to America via fishing ships in Maine. He taught the colonists how to plant corn with fish heads, and how to hunt turkeys and deer, as well as find berries and nuts. That November 1621, the colonists, led by William Bradford, invited Chief Massasoit, Squanto, and the other Wapanog Indians living in the Massachusetts Bay area to a feast. No mashed potatoes or yams were provided, as those were imported later from South America.

President George Washington started a one day proclamation of a national day of thanks during his administration (1789-1796), and it was not until Abraham Lincoln in 1863 making a proclamation to establish a national day of thanks. President Franklin D Roosevelt issued a proclamation declaring Thanksgiving to be celebrated on the 4th Thursday of November in 1933, to bolster holiday sales during the Great Depression. "Black Friday", now on November 26 this year, will be the start of the Christmas shopping season, with early bird specials. You'll be suprised on how many people head out at 5:30AM to take advantage of those bargains.

People have often forgot about the true intent of Thanksgiving. Now, its just an excuse to stuff your face full of the rich bounty of turkey and cranberries, and watch football, or even enjoy a friendly game of touch football outside (if it is not snowing). I use this time to enjoy time with my family, eat, and reflect on the past year. I have a lot to be thankful for. Some traditions are to go around the room or table, and ask what are you thankful for.

Anyway, be safe this Thanksgiving! Lots of motorist out there....