One Thanksgiving about a decade ago, my grandparents’ neighbors came to dine with us on the holiday, and brought along British parents who happened to be visiting the U.S. They were amazed that America sets aside a day simply to be grateful for our blessings; the concept of everyone stopping for this seemed so unprecedented to them, being from a culture with no such holiday.

The uniquely American holiday will be celebrated again this Thursday. What originated in colonial times as a celebration to thank God for a safe arrival in a new land and later as the acknowledgment of a successful harvest continues today. And while these celebrations have come to include parades, football and basketball games and other entertainment-based features, the main objective remains the act of giving thanks.

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