Thanksgiving is a time to give gratitude and to share a meal with loved ones, including a favorite family recipe.
It is also a time to remember that not everyone recognizes Thanksgiving in the same way. There are colleagues or friends who have lost a loved one this year. Some people do not have anyone to celebrate the holiday with; others are homeless and grateful to have another warm meal. People serving in the U.S. military or as first responders may be away from their loved ones during the holiday. And, as we noted in the Native American Heritage Month and National Day of Mourning communication, there are many Indigenous people who do not celebrate Thanksgiving. Instead, Native Americans from across the country come together for National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts, where they honor their ancestors and raise awareness about the Indigenous community’s unique challenges, including the loss of their people and lands as well as the condemnation of their culture.
So how do we still celebrate, while also acknowledging that not everyone will recognize the day in the same way? Here are just a few possible ways to acknowledge these differences:
- Donate to a local homeless shelter or volunteer to serve a meal.
- Invite a friend who spends the holiday alone to partake in your day of gratitude.
- Work with a local volunteer organization to send a holiday care package to those serving in remote locations.
- Observe a moment of silence for those who have lost loved ones this year.
- Support National Day of Mourning through one of the seven ways provided by the United American Indians of New England (UAINE).
- Acknowledge to young ones that not everyone will recognize the day the same way and that’s okay.
As the holidays approach, we’d like to take a moment to thank you all for your participation in the DEIA events and communications this year. And thank you to everyone who has volunteered as part of the President’s Office DEIA Team.