Don’t forget the turkey

Posted on November 25, 2014 by Kiyoshi Koiwai in Op-Ed

Silas Samayoa

Chronicle Reporter

Thanksgiving is a time for family and friends to gather around to enjoy the little things life has to offer and to be thankful for them. Thanksgiving is like no other day, but we seem to be forgetful in our society to giving thanks. This is a holiday centers tremendous emphasis on “getting” instead of “giving”.

It seems like no one wants to appreciate what they have. Thanksgiving has lost its place in people’s heart and its values seem to diminish every year that passes. Right after people gather around and say grace for everything they have, they are lined up outside a store waiting to get new things that are better than what they already possess.

In addition, Thanksgiving is a day where everyone congregates at the dinner table and has a wonderful time, but it’s values have even been outshined by the food. Food is great, but without meaning Thanksgiving becomes a day when everyone just eats more than what they can chew. And so  many people only celebrate Thanksgiving  to end up with leftovers for the next week. Kids don’t want to give thanks, they want turducken (a chicken inside a duck inside a turkey, yum!).

There is no need to go to a church or temple to simply pause and be grateful. Stopping and helping others who are less fortunate is a great way to show appreciation for what we have. It’s called Thanksgiving not Ungrateful Taking.