Scholastic: photo, letter
Whether this is your first Thanksgiving and soon to be en route to your future in-laws out-of-state home (35% of the nation is covered in snow, early and rare for most Thanksgiving holidays). Or, just going cross-town to your parent’s house? 2010 Thanksgiving will be one of many holiday gatherings you will share and treasure with your fiancee and families.
Before you depart, glance in your rear view mirror, if you will, back to the autumn of 1621 and the first Thanksgiving celebration by the English Colonists and the Wampanoag. A letter penned by a Pilgrim child, Lizzy, to her dearest Aunt Constance, gives us a glimpse into the real meaning of this national holiday: thanksgiving first, then to feast.
Autumn, 1621
Dearest Aunt Constance:
…To celebrate our first harvest our Governor, Master Bradford, called for a celebration. Four men went hunting wild fowl and brought back enough geese, ducks and other birds to last nearly a week! We ate, played at games, and the men practiced shooting their muskets. The Indians came amongst us as well, among them their greatest King Massasoit and more than 90 men… they stayed for three days and we entertained and feasted them… I truly hope you can come to join us in New Plimoth…
Your loving niece,
Lizzy
The spirit of this letter and holiday is to give thanks and share. With that in mind, I offer a note of thanksgiving to you:
Autumn 2010
Dearest friends,
Thanksgiving! You’ll never see this word the same way again!
Thanks-giving.
Every day could be filled with Thanks and Giving, if we let it.
Always the best and Happy Thanksgiving,
Marjorie Maxfield
Similar Posts:
- Happy Thanksgiving!
- Holiday Gifts for the Fashionista
- Holiday Weddings
- The Battle to Change My Name
- Sherri Hill 2010 Convertible Couture Collection
