Thanksgiving

A Most Conservative Holiday

Thanksgiving, the time-honored American holiday, has always been about more than just the feast. It is the busiest travel day of the year, meant for family reunions, the parade in the morning (that ends with the launch of Santa Season) as dinner is prepared, and football . It's a time for reflection, gratitude, and family. For many conservative Americans, Thanksgiving embodies the very principles that they hold dear.

Thanksgiving is steeped in tradition, reflecting a conservative ethos of preserving what has worked in the past. It's about gathering around the table, sharing stories, and giving thanks for the blessings of the past year, much like the Pilgrims did in 1621 with the Wampanoag tribe. This year, perhaps more so than ever before, we might reflect on how these traditions connect us to our roots and the values of faith, family, and freedom.

The Pilgrims’ story is often cited by conservatives as an early example of the failure of communal living and the triumph of individual initiative. After initial struggles with communal property, the Pilgrims shifted to private property rights, which led to prosperity. This underscores the conservative belief in free markets and personal responsibility, a lesson that is lost in today's increasingly socialist dialogues.

Patriots often express gratitude not just for personal blessings but for the Nation itself. The holiday serves as a reminder of the American exceptionalism they cherish, celebrating the country's founding principles of liberty, justice, and the pursuit of happiness. This gratitude extends to the service members and Veterans who have defended these freedoms that makes Thanksgiving a day of National as well as familial gratitude.

While Thanksgiving might be seen as a personal family holiday, many of us use it as an opportunity to extend help beyond their immediate circle. The holiday traditionally includes acts of charity, reflecting a conservative commitment to community support without government intervention. This could mean serving meals at local shelters, donating to food banks, or hosting those without family.

Politics is a hot topic during Thanksgiving, and while many families might try to avoid it, for conservatives, these discussions are part of the holiday experience. It's an opportunity to engage in dialogue about values, governance, and the direction of the country.

This year may be a little more heated than before. As we navigate our way through, I would love for you to come back on Friday and share your experiences in the comments

There's been a movement to reframe or reinterpret Thanksgiving, with some critics viewing it through a more negative historical lens. Conservatives, however, often defend the holiday as a celebration of abundance, resilience, and the American spirit. They focus on the ideals that Thanksgiving represents.

Here is an article from 2021 you may find interesting:

Thanksgiving for Conservative Americans isn't just a historical commemoration; it's a living testament to their beliefs. It's a day to celebrate the freedoms they fight to protect, to give thanks for the Nation's enduring principles, and to look forward to continuing the legacy of liberty with hope and determination for the future.

As we all gather around our tables this year, the message is clear:

Let's give thanks, not just for what we have, but for the opportunity to build upon our forebears' dreams, with shared purpose and resolute determination that our American traditions will continue to be shared long into the future.

Happy Thanksgiving, from our family to yours.

kate~