Carol Anne Costa: Giving Thanks

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Carol Anne Costa: Giving Thanks

Like so many traditions, the day Americans set aside to give thanks has morphed into a mere resemblance to its original intent, or has it; I ask that not to be critical, I ask to look deeper, as we are an ever evolving nation. The more I ponder the day, the more I realize it is the one day that that has truly retained the core of its purpose.  The beginnings of the American Thanksgiving had roots in the Puritan customs and were eventually combined with the New England tradition of harvest festivals usually held in the Autumn. It was the opportunity to show gratitude for the bounty, as well as give thanks to God for his divine Providence. Modern Thanksgivings have become more about food, football and brutal political dinner table conversations, but even today at the core it still remains about gratitude. 

I happened upon a young man this week he was probably no more than 10, he appeared deep in thought, and I engaged him conversation about his consternation, he told me he was thinking about what he would be saying at the Thanksgiving  table, as his family always asks everyone to share (out loud), what they are grateful for this year. He indicated he had a couple of things, but wanted to be sure to present them ...out loud.  I so  adored the fact that he was giving his answers and presentation such obvious deliberation. #whatIamgratefulfor!  

Giving Back 

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The Thanksgiving holiday so beautifully reveals the the true charitable and compassionate nature of the American public. Although the holiday has evolved  from its Puritan roots, today, our children still learn and celebrate the stories of Pilgrims, Puritans and Wampanoags. So as the littles ones put on their Pilgrim hats and study the Mayflower and folks hit the grocery store gathering the final ingredients for the family feast, we must not lose sight that millions of our fellow Americans are suffering and millions more Americans respond to the call to help.  

“Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful.”  Buddah  While the snow and sleet are building and the temperatures are falling on this Thanksgiving eve, there are people all around us who are homeless, sick,  hungry, dying, suicidal, alone and deeply depressed.  For some, Thanksgiving day will be the day when a loved will pass away, or carry a terrible medical diagnosis to the table, or just another day when a family will struggle to pay the rent, mortgage, or for the food on the table. That is why I am always so uplifted when many people I know deploy to soup kitchens, hospitals, nursing homes, and donate time, talent, and treasure directly to folks in need. That is indeed what makes the day so special. Thanksgiving Day wedged between the halloween frenzy and the commercial circus that Christmas has quietly and effectively held its own, as it mobilizes people, faith and civic organizations represents the real giving during the season. 

For Your Consideration

The Thanksgiving  holiday presents the chance to count our blessings, silver linings, consider and serve others as the swirling holiday season begins in earnest. I think Linus Van Pelt said it best,  “In the year 1621, the Pilgrims held their first Thanksgiving feast. They invited the great Indian chief Massasoit, who brought ninety of his brave Indians and a great abundance of food. Governor William Bradford and Captain Miles Standish were honored guests. Elder William Brewster, who was a minister, said a prayer that went something like this: 'We thank God for our homes and our food and our safety in a new land. We thank God for the opportunity to create a new world for freedom and justice.” 

If you have the chance to celebrate and gather with friends and family today, don’t forget to channel your Linus and harken back and remember that we live in a country founded in hard work, charity, respect for the earth, and the principles of justice, and for that we all must be grateful.

Happy Thanksgiving to all!

Carol Costa is a public relations and community outreach specialist; she has experience in both the public and private sectors. She is the Chairwoman of the Scituate Democratic Town Committee and has extensive community affairs and public relations experience. She previously served in the Rhode Island Judiciary for nearly 17 years. Carol also enjoyed a successful development stint at the Diocese of Providence as Associate Director for Catholic Education and is currently a public housing manager. Her work has been published in several local outlets including GoLocal, Valley Breeze, The Rhode Island Catholic, and Currents Magazine.

Great Thanksgiving Events for the Family

Thanksgiving 1830s Style

This Thanksgiving, take the trip to Old Sturbridge Village to enjoy the holiday as it was celebrated in the 1830’s. Learn about a traditional 19th century meal where the favorite item was not cranberry sauce, or even Turkey—it was Marlborough pudding! Visitors will watch after dinner shooting matches, which was equivalent to our after dinner football. Also, American Indian traditions of giving thanks will be shared.

1 Old Sturbridge Village Road, Sturbridge, MA. (508) 347-3362.

America’s Thanksgiving

Where better to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday than right where is began? Visit Plimouth Plantation to enjoy classic roast turkey with all the fixings. There will be costumed Pilgrim and Native interpreters on site to greet you and tell you stories about the first feast in 1621.

137 Warren Ave, Plymouth, MA. (508) 746-1622.

Trot off Your Turkey

After the Thanksgiving feast and the madness of Black Friday, most people might assume it’s time to climb into a cocoon and hibernate for the winter. If you’re near Barrington, RI, though, this is not the case. The Saturday after Thanksgiving there will be a “Trot off Your Turkey” 5K/1.5 mile walk or run. Last year, there were over 1,000 participants!

10 Waldron Avenue, Barrington, RI.

Pilgrim Monument

Join in on a tradition in Provincetown, MA this Thanksgiving. On Wednesday, November 27 head down to the lower Cape for the 103rd annual lighting of the Pilgrim Monument. This special ceremony pays homage to the first Pilgrims that landed in America in Provincetown, on November 11, 1620.

High Pole Hill Road, Provincetown, MA. (508) 487-1310. 

Photo: Blanchardb

Thanksgiving Parade

If you need to fulfill your craving for a parade this time of year, look no farther than the Plymouth Thanksgiving Parade. Plymouth was home to the first Thanksgiving, and they continue celebrating to this day. This is a very unique parade in that it is America’s only historically accurate parade. It chronicles the American experience and way of life from the 17th to the 21st century, making for a spectacular sight.

Route begins at Plymouth Historic Waterfront.

Native American Tales

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the little ones to get them excited about the season, why not take them to Providence Children’s Museum? On the day after Thanksgiving, storyteller Thawn Harris will be at the museum to share his Narragansett culture. He will use stories, song and dance and even invite visitors to join in!

100 South Street, Providence, RI. (401) 273-5437. 

Photo: redjar/Flickr

Feast

If you’re a college student living on campus far from home, there are a few disadvantages when it comes to the long Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe you aren’t able to make the trip home or cannot financially afford to do so. Maybe you are a foreign student who doesn’t celebrate Thanksgiving. Whatever it is, Wanderu has got you covered. If you can take a train or get a ride into Boston, you can feast at their “Orphan Thanksgiving”, designed for college students, for FREE! In addition to a home cooked meal, also watch the game and play some pool.

19 Stuart Street, Boston, MA.

Blackstone Polar Express

Bonus!

Once Thanksgiving is over, we are in big holiday territory. What better way to celebrate this than with a ride on the Blackstone Valley Polar Express? Watch your kids’ imaginations soar as a family favorite becomes real life! Each train ride is ninety minutes, and riders will enjoy cookies and hot chocolate! Everyone will get to meet Santa and the conductor. Santa even has a special gift for each child on board.

Woonsocket Railroad Depot, 1 Depot Square, Woonsocket, RI.

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