Show Notes

From date changes to what actually transpired, a lot that we’ve been taught about Thanksgiving is a myth. Today the GroWise Be Well team asks themselves what the holiday means to them, and how we can celebrate it while staying true to the spirit of gratitude. We explore the history of Thanksgiving, it’s similarities to the pagan festival of Lúnasa, and dive into reasons why the day has been created. Later, we touch on why America holds so tightly onto many of its myths before discussing what it means to be American. While we focus on some of Thanksgiving’s worst qualities, including its excesses, we also highlight the positives, like food, family, and feasting. Another hallmark of Thanksgiving, we talk about dealing with conflict through open communication and setting boundaries. Near the end of the episode, we reflect on the question — are our old holidays worth keeping? A key insight, host Sarah Southwell shares why we should each holiday with intentionality and thoughtfulness. Tune in to hear more from our informative discussion on Thanksgiving.

Keypoints From This Episode

• Why Sarah doesn’t celebrate traditional Thanksgiving.
• ‘Friendsgiving;’ an alternative way to spend the holiday.
• Sasha shares how she celebrates Thanksgiving while neglecting its historical roots.
• Comparing the timing of the pagan festival of Lúnasa with Thanksgiving.
• How Thanksgiving has become a time for excess and shopping.
• Exploring the reasons why Thanksgiving was popularized in the 20th century.
• How some Native Americans perceive Thanksgiving.
• Lindsay opens up about her issues with Christopher Columbus Day.
• Insights into why America holds onto its myths and what it means to be an American.
• Dealing with conflict and setting healthy boundaries.
• Practicing giving not only around holidays but throughout the year.
• Answering the question — are our old holidays worth keeping?