American Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!

Having lived in the USA for 12 years before moving to Brazil 7 years ago I really came to like this particular holiday and not just because there was always freshly harvested, outdoor grown, California buds around but also I have fond memories of many fabulous feasts and festivities. In my opinion the American Thanksgiving is the best example of just how fun-loving and sentimental the people are and I think it's the most fun holiday to celebrate in the good old USA.

Here's a quote from, Mark Twain about the history of the American Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving Day, a function which originated in New England two or three centuries ago when those people recognized that they really had something to be thankful for -- annually, not oftener -- if they had succeeded in exterminating their neighbors, the Indians, during the previous twelve months instead of getting exterminated by their neighbors, the Indians. Thanksgiving Day became a habit, for the reason that in the course of time, as the years drifted on, it was perceived that the exterminating had ceased to be mutual and was all on the white man's side, consequently on the Lord's side; hence it was proper to thank the Lord for it and extend the usual annual compliments.

I should also mention how charitable American's can be on this day. One of my good friends would spend a few hundred dollars on Pumkin pie and whipped cream, then drop by a homeless shelter in Miami and spend an hour or so handing out dessert to the homeless. I went with him one year, it was amazing how many people showed up to contribute. On this day in every city across the country, everybody can enjoy some great food and football, even if they're penniless.