Some thoughts about Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is an All-American holiday, first proclaimed by President Abraham Lincoln on Oct. 3, 1863. (According to a letter from one of Lincoln’s secretaries, the document was written by Secretary of State William Seward).

Here are some thoughts about Thanksgiving and giving thanks to chew upon on his day after 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.

Mark Twain

I like football. I find its an exciting strategic game. Its a great way to avoid conversation with your family at Thanksgiving.

Craig Ferguson

Thanksgiving dinners take eighteen hours to prepare. They are consumed in twelve minutes. Half-times take twelve minutes. This is not coincidence.

Erma Bombeck

I come from a family where gravy is considered a beverage.

Erma Bombeck

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.

Oscar Wilde

There is one day that is ours. Thanksgiving Day is the one day that is purely American.

O. Henry

Thanksgiving is an emotional holiday. People travel thousands of miles to be with people they only see once a year. And then discover once a year is way too often.

Johnny Carson

On Thanksgiving Day, all over America, families sit down to dinner at the same moment - halftime.

Author Unknown

Thanksgiving is so called because we are all so thankful that it only comes once a year.

P. J. O’Rourke

When I started counting my blessings; my whole life turned around.

Willie Nelson

Perhaps no custom reveals our character as a Nation so clearly as our celebration of Thanksgiving Day.

Ronald Reagan

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John F. Kennedy

I do not think of all the misery, but of the glory that remains. Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun, go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God. Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself within and without you and be happy.

Anne Frank

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart.

Seneca