Search:

Reflections on the Thanksgiving Holiday

Many holidays have a universal appeal. Thanksgiving is definitely an American only holiday, a time when reflection, giving thanks and massive amounts of food all come together. Consider these thoughts on the subject by these historical figures.

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. - E.P. Powell

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. - John F. Kennedy

Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds. - Theodore Roosevelt

Got no check books, got no banks. Still I'd like to express my thanks - I got the sun in the morning and the moon at night. - Irving Berlin

Love wholeheartedly, be surprised, give thanks and praise then you will discover the fullness of your life. - Brother David Steindl-Rast

Thank God every day when you get up that you have something to do that day which must be done whether you like it or not. Being forced to work and forced to do your best will breed in you temperance and self-control, diligence and strength of will, cheerfulness and content, and a hundred virtues, which the idle will never know. - Basil Carpenter

But see, in our open clearings, how golden the melons lie; Enrich them with sweets and spices, and give us the pumpkin-pie! - Margaret Junkin Preston

Rub a dub, let's get to the grub. - Unknown

If I have enjoyed the hospitality of the Host of this universe, Who daily spreads a table in my sight, surely I cannot do less than acknowledge my dependence. - G. A. Johnston Ross

God is pleased with no music below so much as with the thanksgiving songs of relieved widows and supported orphans; of rejoicing, comforted, and thankful persons. - Jeremy Taylor

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven. - Johannes A. Gaertner

I celebrated Thanksgiving in an old-fashioned way. I invited everyone in my neighborhood to my house, we had an enormous feast, and then I killed them and took their land. - Jon Stewart

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, "thank you," that would suffice. - Meister Eckhart

Turkey: A large bird whose flesh, when eaten on certain religious anniversaries has the peculiar property of attesting piety and gratitude. - Ambrose Bierce

Thanksgiving is America's national chow-down feast, the one occasion each year when gluttony becomes a patriotic duty. - Michael Dresser