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In the United States, Thanksgiving is marked by family gatherings, feasts and expressions of gratitude. Beneath the festive surface, however, lies decades of history and overlooked negative aspects that are overshadowed by its commercialization.

The origins of Thanksgiving trace back to the early 17th century, when English Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Colony in 1620. The settlers, with help from the Wampanoag people, survived a harsh winter by learning agricultural techniques and hunting methods.

In 1621, they held a feast to celebrate the harvest, which is considered the “first Thanksgiving.” It wasn’t until 1863, during the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday.

Over time, Thanksgiving has evolved from a religious observance to a more commercialized event. Retailers play a significant role in shaping the holiday. “Black Friday,” the day after Thanksgiving, has become one of the busiest shopping days of the year– often outshining the holiday’s original purpose of giving thanks. 

Black Friday focuses on sales, discounts and gift-giving, detracting from the true meaning of the holiday and turning it into a marketing tool rather than a time of gratitude.

Senior Hanna Berson shared her opinion on the commercialization of Thanksgiving, stating that over the years an idealized and perfect picture of what thanksgiving should look has started to change its original meaning.

“In regards to Black Friday, I feel that it overshadows the true meaning of Thanksgiving, but it’s a common occurrence so it’s hard to avoid,” she said.

While Thanksgiving is a time for family and reflection, there are some negative aspects of the holiday’s history. The holiday’s origins are often romanticized, ignoring the painful consequences for Native American communities. 

The Pilgrims’ arrival marked the beginning of centuries of displacement, violence and cultural erasure for indigenous people. For many Native Americans, Thanksgiving is a reminder of the suffering their ancestors endured. Some even observe the day as a National Day of Mourning to honor those lost and to raise awareness about ongoing struggles faced by Native communities.

Additionally, the modern emphasis on excessive feasting can contribute to food waste. According to an environmental study by Rethink Food Waste, Americans waste millions of pounds of food every Thanksgiving, which exacerbates issues related to sustainability and resource consumption.

Berson thinks that many Americans focus too much on the aesthetic of Thanksgiving. She doesn’t believe that a huge Thanksgiving meal is necessary in order to fully celebrate the holiday.

“As long as you are spending quality time with your family, you’re celebrating the holiday correctly,” she stated.

Thanksgiving, while an important holiday for many, is not without its complications. 

Its history, commercialization and negative social and environmental impacts deserve reflection. 

As we gather with loved ones, it’s worth considering how we can shift the focus from materialism and excess to one of gratitude, cultural understanding and mindfulness.