Did you know that there is no real Thanksgiving? Before you get upset, the Pilgrims did celebrate Thanksgiving, but not as we think in the traditional sense of a specific day with Turkey and all.

The Pilgrims of Plymouth were strict Calvinist Protestants and did not believe in Christmas, Easter or Saints Day. They believed that these were man-made holidays and only celebrated what they found evidenced in the bible of days of celebration. This came down to three types of holidays, the Sunday Sabbath, Days of Fasting and Humiliation and Days of Thanksgiving and Praise.

Both Days of Fasting and Thanksgiving were not given fixed points on the calendar. These days were in response to the circumstances at large. When the days were unfavorable and there was not enough food to eat, failing crops, disease and unexplained deaths, a Day of Fasting was called for. Everyone went to church to ask for forgiveness and guidance, and then would partake in a modest meal. Conversely, a good harvest or the arrival of a supply ship would call for a day Of Thanksgiving. This would mean going to church to thank God, then celebrating with a festive meal.

In essence, there was no "First Thanksgiving," merely many different days of celebration throughout each year. The pilgrims made it a practice to give thanks. Today, Thanksgiving has transformed from a religious celebration of thanks, to a secular, cultural event of thanks. We gather with our families, truly in spirit of thanks and appreciation for our lives. Often, however, we are not in touch with the essence of Thanksgiving and fail to stop and acknowledge our thanks.

This year before we feast, let's take the time to share our thanks. This is not a religious exercise. This is an exercise of appreciation and recognition that by changing your thought patterns to the positive you can accomplish anything!

So enjoy this holiday and join with family and friends and strangers alike and participate in the real Thanksgiving, by giving thanks and sharing with each other.

Five Easy Steps to The Real Thanksgiving

Step One: Hold Hands
Don't be shy; this is a simple process of connecting to each other.

Step Two: Be Silent
We are always in such a rush and miss so much as we do. Take ten seconds here and think about as a group all the things you are thankful for. The experience will be powerful.

Step Three: The Opening
Pick someone to start and begin with a simple statement.
"Thanksgiving a day of thanks and I would like to share three things that I am thankful for:
1._______ 2. ________ 3. _________."

Step Four: Passing of thanks.
Each person then says to the group three things that he or she is thankful for.

Step five: Eat, Laugh and Enjoy!
I guarantee that taking this small amount of time will put you in touch with the real Thanksgiving, making it so much better and maybe one of your best.

©2005

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