Because even gratitude season needs a good old-fashioned rant.

With Thanksgiving coming up at the end of this month, I want to start by wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday. Cherish your time with family and friends, because that’s what it’s all about.

But, as you know, this is Grandpa’s Rants, so buckle up for my Thanksgiving rant.

For some reason, these last few years people have been trying to diminish or even demonize this great holiday. Why can’t folks just take it for what it was designed to be, a time to be thankful for what you have? Be thankful for your family, your friends, your health, and whatever else matters most to you. Everyone’s list is different, and that’s fine.

But lately, people have been turning Thanksgiving into something “evil,” claiming it’s rooted in settlers slaughtering Native Americans. Now, did it happen exactly the way we were taught in school? I don’t know, I wasn’t there, and neither was anyone else alive today. But why demonize a holiday that’s meant to bring people together, not tear them apart?

And while I’m at it, what’s with this Friendsgiving nonsense? Why are we trying to rename Thanksgiving? The holiday already includes family and friends. Thanksgiving covers it all! To me, Friendsgiving is just a silly way of trying to fix something that isn’t broken.

Then there’s corporate America. They can’t figure out how to make a buck off a holiday that’s about gratitude instead of greed. Since there’s no merchandise to sell, besides food, they skip right over Thanksgiving. You go from Halloween straight to Christmas. Walk into a store right after Halloween and it’s wall-to-wall Christmas decorations and music. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Christmas season, but not at the expense of Thanksgiving.

So this year, just be happy and thankful for what you have, not for what others have. Cherish your family and friends, because they (or you) won’t always be here. Appreciate them while you can.

That’s enough outta me for now. But don’t worry, I’ve got plenty more to say next time.
🦃 Grandpa (Professional Ranter and Amateur Philosopher)