Thanksgiving, a time of togetherness and grace,
Holds significance for my family, in every embrace.
As a child, I eagerly awaited this day,
Anticipating joy that would come my way.
It equaled, or maybe even exceeded, Christmas cheer,
A cherished occasion that brought loved ones near.
Relatives from far and wide would convene,
To partake in joyful festivities unseen.
Laughter would echo, filling the air,
Dominoes slamming, music blaring, beyond compare.
Clapping would follow a funny remark,
Cheering for toddlers, taking their first steps in the dark.
Aunties and uncles dancing with all their might,
Grandma embracing us, hugging us tight.
Cousins plotting sleepovers, laughing all day,
Anxiously waiting to see what the mothers will say.
For us, Thanksgiving revolved not around its past,
But rather, a celebration of our cherished familial cast.
In our hearts, the true essence would reside,
As Thanksgiving brought us closer, side by side.
And so, let this poem capture the spirit,
Of Thanksgiving, and all its merits.
With love and gratitude, we gather as one,
Thankful for family, as the day is done.
While the above poem is my interpretation of how my family and I celebrate Thanksgiving, I know that not everyone meets the day with happiness. My family does not view Thanksgiving as national holiday invented by colonizers, but as a day to extend gratitude and celebrate family.
It is crucial for us to pay homage to those who have endured suffering. We must persistently reassess the so-called “truths” that we’ve accumulated over time. Indigenous People possess a wealth of knowledge that we can learn from, as they are often regarded as the initial caretakers of the land. For them, Thanksgiving is not a joyous occasion for remembering; instead, it symbolizes a day that highlights the impact of colonization on their territories, customs, and traditions.