Thanksgiving Conundrum

The holidays officially kick off next week, and like many, I teeter on the fulcrum of Thanksgiving and Christmas. Raised old-school enough to think it boarder-line sacrilegious to even consider replacing pumpkins with nativity before it’s time. And yet. There are practical considerations. 

For one, I’m not really hosting the turkey this year. Aside from a Thursday evening dinner for four, preordered from—should I even admit this?—a favorite local restaurant; all other feasts will take place outside my home. And the one big day that’s mine to plan is a Friday foray to the Tree Farm. Year six of a family tradition. 

After visiting Santa and Carl the Camel—indulging in warm mini-doughnuts, and steaming cups of cocoa or cider—our generations of offspring will haul the biggest pine we can possibly find back to Nana’s and Papi’s for what might be our final lakeside Yuletide. 

So the question is: what best suits the trimming of a tree? Fall foliage, or glittering snowflakes? 

I am well aware (as you are too) of a cultural trend toward erasing Thanksgiving. Social norms seem to favor direct transition from Halloween creepy to Holiday lights. Even “feast day” menus are changing—much to the dismay of our traditional Grammy. And I find myself caught in the middle. Not a fan of turkey, myself. Also never quite all-in on a holiday centered around cooking. And yet. I am certainly compelled by a season of THANKS. 

Because—what happens if we erase thanks-giving?? 

Perhaps the problem is we’re no longer farmers… 

Come, ye thankful people, come,

raise the song of harvest home;

all is safely gathered in,

ere the winter storms begin.

God our Maker doth provide

for our wants to be supplied;

come to God's own temple, come,

raise the song of harvest home.

Very few of us envision a feast harvested from our own hard-fought bountiful crops. Instead, we fill shopping carts with a chaotic combination of menu items and early Black Friday deals. All of which arguably trigger more greed than thanks. 

And yet. Even as our culture moves away from a holiday, it would seem that an acknowledgement of gratitude in general might be on the rise. Countless experts—therapists, authors, pastors and others—point to gratitude as a key component of mental health. Being thankful can be an effective weapon against anxiety and despair. And not just at Thanksgiving. 

It’s as if this gratitude antidote was God’s intention from the very beginning:

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:4-6)

Of course, as Christians we don’t just ruminate on grateful vibes. We are expressing thanks to the God who has provided. The God who has given everything good. 

Where I live, the season of autumn is a showcase of God’s brilliance. All it takes is a glance out my picture window, or a drive along any “up north” road, to be overcome with heartfelt appreciation. Before long we’ll trade our color for the glitter of snow. And it, too, will sing glory, glory, glory!!

And so. Whether it’s turkey feathers or evergreen adorning mantel and dining room table, one thing is certain. We are a family to whom much has been given, and the posture of our hearts and attention will be wholehearted and holy thanksgiving.