Growing up, Thanksgiving always held a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just about the turkey, the football, or even the thrill of getting together with family—it was the kickoff to a season of joy. For me, Thanksgiving was even more exciting than Christmas. Perhaps it was because it marked the start of a festive stretch that included two beloved holidays back-to-back. Or maybe it was the tradition, nostalgia, and togetherness that set it apart.
Today, Thanksgiving often feels overshadowed in a world where Halloween candy, Thanksgiving décor, and Christmas trees all hit the shelves at once. The holiday has become, for some, a steppingstone to Christmas. But as we prepare to gather next week—stuffing ourselves beyond our limits and ushering in the holiday season—it’s worth taking a moment to celebrate Thanksgiving for what it truly is: a time to reflect, remember, and connect.
Thanksgiving’s roots stretch back to 1621, when the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag tribe shared a harvest feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts. This gathering was not just a celebration of survival through harsh conditions but also a demonstration of gratitude and collaboration between two very different cultures. While the holiday’s history has been mythologized and simplified over the years, its central theme remains the same: giving thanks for the blessings we’ve received, even in the face of challenges. It’s a message that resonates just as deeply today as it did four centuries ago.
As a child, Thanksgiving meant the house was packed with family—grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and the occasional stray friend or neighbor. My mother spent days preparing in the kitchen, juggling multiple dishes, while my dad provided “support” from his spot in front of the TV, immersed in football. I can still hear my mom calling out requests to him, knowing full well his responses were only half-hearted as he kept one eye glued to the screen.
Despite her busy schedule, she always found time to sit with me for one cherished tradition: watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
The parade, a spectacle of floats, balloons, and performances, has a history as rich as the turkey on the table. First held in 1924, it began as a way for Macy’s employees to celebrate their heritage with a “Christmas” parade. In its early years, the parade featured live animals borrowed from the Central Park Zoo, but in 1927, helium balloons debuted, marking the start of an iconic tradition. The parade became a symbol of celebration and togetherness, bringing millions of Americans together around their TVs each Thanksgiving morning—a tradition my mom and I cherished. Even in her later years, she never missed it, and now I carry that torch.
Of course, the day wouldn’t be complete without another classic: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Who can forget Snoopy’s chaotic meal of jelly beans, toast, and popcorn? Or the heartfelt message of gratitude and togetherness that defines the special? Created in 1973, this Peanuts classic became a Thanksgiving mainstay, often aired alongside Dolly Madison snack cake commercials—a nostalgic pairing for anyone who grew up in that era. Despite its quirky portrayal of a Thanksgiving meal, the story captures the essence of the holiday: gathering with loved ones, imperfections and all.
This year, Thanksgiving arrives on the heels of an election, and no doubt, political conversations may find their way to the living room or the dining table. For those who don’t enforce a strict “no politics” policy, discussions may get heated as passions rise. When this happens, take a moment to pause and remember the bigger picture. Thanksgiving is a time to cherish those gathered around the table, a reminder that these moments are fleeting. Loved ones won’t always be here, and we should treasure every second we have with them. No matter how lively the debate, let gratitude prevail over discord, and let the spirit of togetherness guide the day.
As I’ve grown older, the true meaning of Thanksgiving has deepened for me. It’s not just about food or traditions but about gratitude. We live in a fast-paced, often overwhelming world where it’s easy to take our blessings for granted. Thanksgiving forces us to pause and reflect—not just on what we have but on the people who make our lives meaningful. It’s a time to acknowledge the sacrifices of those who came before us, the kindness of those who walk beside us, and the hope for the generations yet to come.
Today, I find myself holding onto these traditions as tightly as I hold onto the memories of my family. Yes, I still watch the Macy’s Parade and Charlie Brown Thanksgiving every year, and yes, my wife still thinks I’m crazy for dedicating time to something I’ve seen for five decades. But that’s the beauty of Thanksgiving—it’s not about the new or the flashy. It’s about honoring the past while creating space for the present.
So, this Thanksgiving, let’s go back to its roots. Let’s gather with loved ones, not just to share a meal but to reflect on what we have, who we have, and how far we’ve come. Let’s celebrate the resilience of those early settlers and the kindness of the Wampanoag people who helped them survive. Let’s honor the memories of those we’ve lost while creating new ones with the people around us. And let’s remember that, even in the chaos of the season, gratitude and love are what truly bring us together.
Here’s to Thanksgiving: a holiday rich in history, steeped in tradition, and filled with love, laughter, and plenty of pumpkin pie. And if you haven’t already, make some space on your couch—it’s time to revisit Snoopy’s jelly bean dinner, check out those iconic parade floats, and embrace those age old traditions that still come with this holiday. Most importantly, enjoy the holiday with friends and family in whatever way you can, for those other moments can be save on the DVR and enjoyed as time allows, but time wth our loved ones cannot be recorded and relived.
Bill Sullivan is the co-owner and managing publisher of Folsom Times, an All Town Media LLC online publication that was named the Emerging Business of the Year in 2023 by Choose Folsom. He is a 31-time California News Publishers (CNPA) award recipient and. You can reach him at bill@folsomtimes.com.