Editorial

Greetings and happy holidays. November is a time to remember the heritage of our ancestors. Most of us were taught how the colonists came to this country in the year 1620 — arriving at Plymouth Rock in December. The winter was harsh and many speculated that the colonists would not have survived if it had not been for Native American Indians. The following Fall season was filled with abundance, so a traditional English harvest festival, lasting three days, took place in 1621. This first feast included: venison, wild fowl such as ducks and geese, fish, dried fruits, plums, boiled pumpkin, berries, lobster, clams, watercress. Since cattle were undomesticated during that time, dairy products were unavailable.

Not until 1623 was another celebration held. The next day of Thanksgiving was not proclaimed until 1676. The official celebration was set for June 29, 1676.

Then, in 1789, George Washington proclaimed a National Day of Thanksgiving — although it was unpopular among many colonists. Interestingly enough, his act was the first official presidential proclamation made in the United States.

Throughout time Thanksgiving has been held at different times and it was in 1863 that President Lincoln proclaimed the last Thursday of November as the official National Day of Thanksgiving. However, it was not until 1941 that Congress finally sanctioned Thanksgiving as a legal holiday. This National day of celebration has been reaffirmed by every presidents since Lincoln.

So there you have it, a brief synopsis of the next holiday many of us will partake in. For me Thanksgiving is a time of reflection. It is an act of offerings and being grateful. It is the putting aside of differences and realizing that when we open our hearts and homes to others, we embrace the nature of giving and receiving.

Even if we are alone at the holidays we can still celebrate our life. Each one of us brings to the table our unique qualities. We enrich each other and in the quiet of Spirit’s presence we find the meaning of the abundance of life.

I am grateful that I am still here, able to sit at my computer doing what I love, and I am grateful that I can still see the world and all that she holds. Life is not always an easy road; however, it is a road that will eventually lead home.

I thank all of you who have graced my life. For the support, the kindness and the caring of your hearts…”Thank you.” I am indeed blessed by each one of you. Take care my friends. Blessings on this special day of thanks.

In Love & Light

Michelene

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