Assistant photojournalism editor Bryanna Perry discusses her views on Thanksgiving.
Bryanna Perry, Campus Carrier assistant photojournalism editor
The happiest day in 2013 fell on Thanksgiving, according to a 2013 Gallup poll that reported that 70 percent of people surveyed experienced happiness without a lot of stress or worry. In light of this, why do we focus more on Christmas than we do for Thanksgiving now? Thanksgiving used to be celebrated as its own holiday, full of meaning and tradition in families.
These past couple of years, however, it seems like it is slowly losing everything it stands for. What happened to people putting out fall decorations, turning off the television and cooking with one another all day long to say thanks and be with the ones we love the most? It’s sad that there are people who brush over Thanksgiving like it’s nothing and solely focus on decorating and the presents they will get for Christmas.
Just the other day I took a trip to Walmart to get some supplies for an upcoming project. As I was walking with my roommate around the store we happened to notice that instead of there being a lot of Thanksgiving or fall decorations available, there is already a huge section for Christmas décor.
Not only that but I have also noticed people decorating for Christmas on campus already.
As college students, we tend to let our schedules become packed during all hours of the day. We get so overwhelmed with classes and work that when we go home it’s a relief.
People need to live more in the moment: appreciate the little things that are given to us, spend more time with our friends when we can and find things to be thankful for this thanksgiving instead of worrying about getting out the Christmas tree in November.
A recent University of Fla. study shows that during the holidays college students experience satisfaction, and that gratitude plays a role in achieving and maintaining well-being when they get to go home and spend time with their families. It’s healthier for you to spend time with your family and relax during the holidays than it is to stress about future holidays.
Don’t spend this Thanksgiving worrying about Christmas. Don’t forget to remember how you came to be the person you are today and appreciate having the opportunity to be where you are now. Here at Berry, we have such a loving community and everyone seems to know everyone one way or another.
If you can’t find something to be thankful for, be thankful to have your education, your friends and your family.
There are so many things to be positive for, all you have to do is take the time to remember.