Thanksgiving And Memoir Writing:

Thanksgiving holds a special place in the hearts of Americans.

It’s a time when families get together, gather around the table for turkey, and share stories.

Yet, beneath the wonderful aroma of turkey, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie lies a deeper story—which invites us to rethink the Thanksgiving holiday and its meaning for the rest of our lives.

… What if Thanksgiving wasn’t just one date in November, but a lens through which we viewed the everyday moments that shape our lives? What if gratitude became less of a seasonal exercise, and more of a transformational practice woven into our daily existence?

Consider Thanksgiving’s layered history, its enduring message of gratitude, and how embracing thankfulness can enrich not just the holiday season, but also our story sharing, memoir writing, and connection with others.

The True Roots of Thanksgiving: Myths, Complexity, and Lessons

Thanksgiving as we know it, is rooted in the 1621 gathering of Pilgrims and Native Americans—a narrative often depicted as a harmonious feast celebrating mutual survival and cooperation.

And while that story has become emblematic of the holiday, it’s far from the full picture.

The famed “First Thanksgiving” was likely celebrated in early September, not November. Historical records suggest it was a three-day harvest festival featuring dishes like venison, fish, and squash – – – with no cranberry sauce, pumpkin pie, or Cool Whip!

The real history of Thanksgiving reveals a much more nuanced and complicated reality. The Pilgrims faced unimaginable challenges: nearly half of the Mayflower’s passengers died during their first winter of 1620-1621.

The indigenous Wampanoag people, who played a pivotal role in aiding the settlers, faced devastating consequences of their colonization, including disease that wiped out up to 90% of their population in the decades that followed.

Fast forward to 1863, when President Abraham Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday during the Civil War, positioning it as a unifying moment for a fractured nation.

That declaration wasn’t merely symbolic—it was also the result of a 17-year campaign by Sarah Josepha Hale, an author and magazine editor often called “The Mother of Thanksgiving.”

Thanksgiving And Gratitude Around the Globe

Thanksgiving isn’t the only celebration of gratitude in the world. Many cultures have their own ways of expressing appreciation and honoring an abundance of food:

• Japan’s Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day): Observed every November 23, this public holiday celebrates workers and their contributions to Japanese society. Rooted in ancient rice harvest festivals, Kinro Kansha no Hi reflects gratitude for labor and nature’s bounty.

• India’s Pongal: A four-day harvest festival celebrated in January; Pongal is a time to give thanks for agricultural prosperity. Families prepare special dishes, honor cattle, and offer gratitude to the sun for its life-sustaining energy.

• South Korea’s Chuseok: This autumn harvest festival involves visiting ancestral graves, sharing traditional foods, and giving thanks for a bountiful harvest that nourishes all.

Those traditions highlight the universal theme of community, abundance, and appreciation, showing that gratitude transcends cultures and boundaries around the globe.

Exploring those practices related to Thanksgiving and memoir writing, can help the writer to offer a unique and inspirational aspect to their own life story.

Gratitude Through Numbers: Why It Matters

Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good idea either—it’s a measurable force.

Scientific studies back its profound impact on mental and physical health:

• 88% of people report feeling happier after practicing gratitude, according to a study by the University of California, Davis.

Imagine harnessing that powerful tool year-round.

What if every day felt like Thanksgiving—not in terms of feasting, but in terms of celebrating life’s blessings?

How Gratitude Can Enhance Memoir Writing

Memoir writing is an act of preservation itself: capturing the essence of a life lived, with all its highs and lows.

When infused with gratitude, a writer’s story can transcend the personal perspective and connect deeply with the reader. Gratitude doesn’t mean glossing over the hardships either. Rather, it allows the reader to find meaning and growth within them.

Take Maya Angelou’s I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings as one such example.

Despite harrowing accounts of trauma and adversity, Angelou’s memoir radiates gratitude for the relationships, lessons, and resilience that sustained her.

Similarly, Michelle Obama’s Becoming showcases gratitude as a throughline, whether reflecting on her family’s sacrifices or the mentors who shaped her path.

Incorporating Gratitude into Your Memoir Book Could Look Like This:

• Celebrate Ordinary Moments: Share short stories that highlight simple joys—a conversation with a grandparent, the smell of homemade bread, or a fleeting moment of laughter that carried you through difficult times.

• Recognize Hidden Gifts in Struggle: Reflect on how challenges taught you resilience, compassion, or clarity. Those moments of introspection deepen your story’s emotional impact.

• Thank Those Who Shaped Your Journey: Dedicate a chapter, short story, or passage to your mentors, family, and/or friends whose influence left a significant mark on your life.

About Skepticism With Gratitude

It is not always easy to feel grateful, especially during tough times (!)

You Might Wonder:

• “What if I don’t feel grateful?”
  Gratitude is not about denying hardships, but finding a few moments of light amidst the darkness. Even acknowledging the smallest things—a smile or kind word from a stranger, the warmth of a cup of coffee or tea—can be a great start.

• “Isn’t gratitude just ignoring reality?”
  Far from it. Gratitude helps reframe the challenge, offering a different perspective with resilience. It does not erase pain, but it allows us to see the beauty and life lessons learned in adversity. For example, a memoir writer could find gratitude in the strength they received after a personal loss.

Two Quotes to Inspire Your Journey

Here are two quotes to highlight that perspective:

• “Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Anonymous

• “If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.” – Meister Eckhart

Let those words guide your practice of gratitude, whether in life, memoir writing, or both.

Wrapping Up With a Question

As you gather around your Thanksgiving table this year, consider the stories that a feeling of gratitude can unlock—not just in the moment, but for inspiring generations to come.

What Legacy of Thanks will You Leave Behind?

At The Life Writer, we believe that every life story holds the power to inspire, empower, and improve the lives of others.

By weaving your gratitude into your own memoir, you can create a narrative that uplifts, connects, and endures.

Start your journey today—because your story is a gift worth sharing!

… Want to learn more about the Wampanoag people? Here is a link:  https://plimoth.org/for-students/homework-help/who-are-the-wampanoag