Taking Thanks?

Today I spent 8 hours boxing pies, cakes and casseroles for the upcoming holiday. Sadly, all these efforts were not in attempt to feed the hungry, serve a shelter, or give hope to families who have so little to be thankful for. No, I was at work, on the more affluent side of town, boxing up hundreds of orders for our guests. As they pulled up one by one in their Escalades and BMWs, came in with their designer bags and sunglasses, and mindlessly swiped one of their several credit cards, I began to wonder if this was what it was really all about. I caught myself commenting on it to some co-workers, getting rather fired up about "this" being the problem and how sick it made me (luckily this was when I was up back, nowhere near the customers...). I looked at all the food: mainly pies, cakes, and specialty desserts, you know... the things you "treat" yourself to when you're already stuffed. None of it necessary; all of it complimentary. For today's orders alone, I could only imagine just how many thousands of dollars that was about to be spent on the most counterproductive activity on a holiday such as Thanksgiving- overindulgence. While we sit around our tables, eating more than our fair share, we too easily pass off the day's suffering to the Detroit Lions and their fans as they lose yet another Thanksgiving game. We joke how terrible it must be to never win, and how they truly have nothing to be thankful for. Then we go back to the kichen for round 2.

Joking aside, the importance of family and spending time together should never be taken lightly. Those who have family (whether it be 2 or 32 members) should celebrate all they have together. What I discovered today, however, was that I have strong feelings on the matter- and I really struggled to hide them. When did our holidays become about elaborate tablescapes, overpriced casseroles, and decorative cakes? I struggle to accept that a day dedicated to "giving thanks" has anything to do with any of those things. Now, I know not everyone has the same convictions, nor does every person claim to live "like Christ", but this has little to do with religion or beliefs. The last time I checked, or maybe it was just how I was raised but, to "give thanks" was to show appreciation for what you had, and showing appreciation typically included a form of sharing, or giving. True gratitude is passing it along, or what some call "paying it forward." If that's the case, then, on a day dedicated to giving thanks, shouldn't there be an overabundance of such giving?

Another thing I've learned, religion and faith aside, is that its not about me. Hold on, let me retype that for those of you who's eyes blurred at the sight of that statement: It's not about me. Or you. Take a second. Think on that. I know it goes against every message you hear in the media, in our culture, and from society in general.

You deserve a day off.
You need a break.
Seriously, take some time to yourself, and celebrate.

Don't get me wrong- there is nothing inherently bad about relaxing, taking time off, or catching a break. But during our celebrations, how better could we use our money? Or use our time? With Thanksgiving being a time of celebration of all that we've been given, shouldn't we then also give? It is wrong when the focus on ourselves engrosses our every thought to the point we no longer see what is around us.

Hunger.
Hopelessness.
Fear.
Doubt.

Couldn't we better celebrate being thankful? Isn't there something we have that we could share? Now I know these thoughts (maybe moreso rants...) started today due to the massive selling of $35 cakes that would cost less than $5 to make on your own (trust me, I did it myself...), but these convictions are in no way new nor limited to the gross indulgence of the general population during a holiday that is supposed to be of gratitude.

So I guess, this Thanksgiving, I wonder if we could spend a little less on ourselves, and practice giving thanks by actually giving.