Last Thanksgiving, I made the decision to skip a family reunion and instead attend a promotional sales event for Black Friday. Regrettably, this event took place on the same day that my cousin had a fatal car accident. Opting for the family reunion would have given me the chance to spend time with my cousin, who was like a brother to me, before his passing.
Thanksgiving will forever remind me of my selfishness and the irreversible loss I suffered. It is evident that materialism and greed have tainted the authentic spirit of this holiday in our present society. Instead of showing gratitude with our loved ones, around 164 million Americans, approximately half of the population, opt to engage in shopping either on Thanksgiving night or early on Black Friday (Bergland).
What has America become? As Americans, we rush through our busy lives without any consideration for other
...s. We are constantly chasing our needs in this consumerist society and never take the time to appreciate what we already have. Families that fail to celebrate Thanksgiving because they are obsessed with material gains also fail to appreciate each other's presence. According to Dr. Suzanne Dziurawiec, a Psychology Specialist, this reason is responsible for 35% of family drifts in the nation. While Black Friday may encourage family bonding through shopping, it primarily focuses on individual needs and reinforces selfishness within our souls.
Materialism can be countered by reinforcing gratitude, especially during Thanksgiving. It is important to pause and contemplate the genuine significance of this holiday. Rather than prioritizing shopping lists, demonstrate your gratitude towards your loved ones. A small gesture like a phone call to express appreciation can fulfill an emptiness
that material possessions cannot.
According to the University of California Berkeley, increasing our gratitude levels can lead to a decrease in materialism and an increase in happiness. This means that being grateful helps us feel more satisfied, while materialism can cause dissatisfaction. By practicing gratitude, we become less interested in material things and prioritize spending Thanksgiving with loved ones. Imagine sitting in the living room during your Thanksgiving gathering, feeling the warmth from the cordial fireplace and enjoying the cozy atmosphere created by the glowing scarlet flames.
Within the halls, you will hear the joyous laughter of relatives and friends. As you enjoy a cup of steaming hot cocoa that warms your chilled fingers, all your worries will fade away. This weekend, you can escape the chaos of everyday life. Understanding the true meaning of Thanksgiving means feeling the warmth of loved ones and experiencing a wholesome feeling that cannot be obtained through materialism. Although Thanksgiving was two months ago and the next one is 10 months away, gratitude still holds value in your life at this moment. I encourage all of you to take a moment and reflect on what you are grateful for, and make a habit of writing it down daily in a gratitude journal.
