Every year around the fourth week of November, many of us gather around the table to celebrate one of our favorite holidays of the year, Thanksgiving. Although the holiday is celebrated across the country, the original story and meaning is usually lost.

Many families celebrate the holiday by feasting, watching football games, family reunions, and preparing for Black Friday’s shopping spree. For my family, this holiday is a gathering around the table to eat some turkey and enjoy each other’s company.

The first “Thanksgiving” was not meant as a feast nor a holiday, but instead a gathering that lasted three days. The gathering of Plymouth colonists and Wampanoag Indians was an English harvest festival that occurred in 1621.

June of 1676 was the first Thanksgiving meal ever celebrated. The day took place in Charleston, Massachusetts, and was recognized as a day to give thanks for good fortune.

New York was the first of many other states to adopt the Thanksgiving holiday. President Abraham Lincoln officially scheduled Thanksgiving as a holiday for the final Thursday in November in the year 1863.

The traditions originally associated with the Thanksgiving holiday have slowly been lost since America adopted it. The holiday has become more meal-centered with family and friends. The Macy’s Day parade has also become a huge tradition for some families to watch early in the morning.

The turkey is an integral part of our holiday celebrations, and other food necessities usually include mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, stuffing, and pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving was originally meant to be an expression of love and gratitude. This holiday season, take time out to appreciate of all the amazing opportunities, support, and love your family and friends have offered you.

Spend the holiday with family and friends. I plan to spend my Thanksgiving preserving its true meaning, preparing my heart in gratitude for my family, friends, and good health.

This Thanksgiving, it is most important extend your giving and thanks to the less fortunate. Use your heart to help others who could use your resources.