Happy late Thanksgiving you turkeys! Hopefully you’ve recovered from your food comas…I know I (barely) have. Thanksgiving is great for many reasons; good food, an excuse to eat ridiculous amounts of it, good company, a couple days off of work to relish in your loved ones and fall weather (or beach weather for those of us in Florida). However, I think we’re all guilty of forgetting what the holiday is really about; gratitude.

Thanksgiving in the United States is technically meant to celebrate the harvest and other blessings of the past year, and originated in 1621. You can read all about the history at history.com (figures).

Suffice it to say that it is a popular holiday with a great message, and a bit of a controversial history.

While I’m not here to undermine the controversial history and the very valid sentiments behind it, I also do like the holiday for what it’s become. It’s history may be tainted, but the message of being thankful for everything the previous year has brought and for everything we have is worthy of a celebration in my book.

I believe Thanksgiving sets the scene for a whole season of gratitude. Don’t let the gratitude die after your leftovers do. Trust me, you’ll be glad you didn’t.