What is Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving: From Tradition to Black Friday Shenanigans!

Join Michelle as she fills in for Ed and uncovers the quirks of Thanksgiving and the shopping frenzy that follows!

Thanksgiving is more than just a food extravaganza; it’s a time-honored tradition celebrated across various parts of the world, primarily in the United States and Canada. The day is marked by families gathering to enjoy a hearty meal that typically includes turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie. However, Thanksgiving’s significance goes beyond the feast. It’s about expressing gratitude, spending quality time with loved ones, and reflecting on the blessings of the past year. This beloved holiday, with roots tracing back to the early 17th century, gives us a moment to step back, put down our devices, and appreciate the people around us.

As we dive into the happenings around Thanksgiving, we can’t overlook the mad frenzy that follows just a day later — Black Friday! It’s a shopping adventure like no other, where shoppers flock to stores or log into their favorite sites to snag some incredible deals. Picture this: after a day of yawning as Uncle Bob drags out his stories about his glory days, you go from sharing heartwarming memories to elbowing strangers in pursuit of the ultimate bargain on the latest gadgets. Black Friday has become its own cultural phenomenon, transforming the post-Thanksgiving mood from gratitude to full-on consumer frenzy.

This year, I’m stepping into Ed Condon’s shoes as the managing editor at The Pillar, so I hope you can bear with me through this whirlwind of festive fun! Thanksgiving will forever hold a special place in our hearts, but it’s also important to recognize how Black Friday has reshaped its narrative over the years. From being about thanks and gratitude to racing for deals, it feels like we’re losing some of that familial warmth.

Sure, who doesn't love savings on top-notch electronics? However, let’s not forget to keep our hearts warm while navigating through a sea of shopping carts and limited stock. Balancing traditions with new consumer habits is key. So, the next time you’re out shopping that deals bonanza, take a moment to reflect on that turkey dinner, the stories shared, and the people you could potentially elbow over that last PlayStation.

Did you know? Thanksgiving in Australia is not a widely celebrated holiday, primarily because it’s all about embracing the summer vibes in the Southern Hemisphere! Also, get this: Black Friday has been around since the 1950s. It is believed to have gained popularity from retailers trying to turn a profit, transitioning from the red to the black ink in their financial records! So next time you dig into that roast turkey or fight over a big screen TV, just remember the fun and historical discussions that bind these traditions together!