Happy Thanksgiving

Friends had some very good Thanksgiving episodes, including one with Christiana Applegate. The friends were a family. The first season episode emphasized that -- they came together because they could not have dinner with their own families (Phoebe's grandmother celebrated another day).

Here is a history of Thanksgiving I wrote for another website. Harvest celebrations have ancient roots. The French and Spanish celebrated "thanksgiving" with Native Americans. Our modern Thanksgiving holiday was established in the 19th Century. 

Presidential Thanksgiving proclamations also began early. Like Trump's, they had a religious flavor, giving thanks to God. This led President Jefferson to reject the practice, particularly a congressional instruction to provide one. He thought that was a violation of the First and Tenth Amendments.

Presidential proclamations are also cited to justify other governmental endorsements of religion. Jefferson's principled stance is appropriate. At least, in today's world, any proclamation should be comprehensive. 

Justice Blackmun noted some Thanksgiving proclamations were blatantly sectarian. People can complain that some go too far regarding "Merry Christmas," which is a fake issue anyway. But recognizing the nation's diversity is appropriate. 

Personal statements by governmental officials are also not the same thing as showy endorsement. A large cross or Ten Commandments monument is not akin to some words nearly no one reads. 

Thanksgiving, as a basic concept, is fine. It has some baggage, including regarding Native Americans. Food can also be an issue, especially for vegans and vegetarians. There are plenty are options for an animal-friendly meal. Not all involve Tofurky.

Our troubling times also might lead people to be grumpy about giving thanks. For some people, holidays are especially stressful times. We can respect that. We should try to help those who need help. That includes those without much of a family.

At the end of the day, most of us have something to be thankful for. Giving thanks doesn't handwave all the problems. So, pessimists can be satisfied too.