The Spotted Sparrow

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Americans out there!

I know there are a lot of non-American readers out there, so here is my version of the story behind one of the biggest holidays in the US: A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, some English blokes sailed to a new world. Their first winter there was harsh and food was scarce. Luckily, some local fellows came along and shared their food with them, including a tasty local delicacy called pumpkin. To repay them for their generousity, the Brits gave the local fellows various diseases and stole a bunch of their land. The end.

I have no idea if that story is true or not, but that's what I remember being taught in school (minus the bit about diseases and thievery, of course, because we conveniently forget those parts on Thanksgiving). I'm sure it must have some basis in reality, but as to how much, I'm not sure. Nowadays, we celebrate Thanksgiving by spending the day with family and eating copious amounts of food. You know how much we Americans love to eat! It just isn't Thanksgiving without turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie.

Despite my snarkiness, Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, probably because there is no religion or gifts involved. It's just a day to enjoy your family and be thankful for what you have. I am thankful for:



{images from Flickr}