🦃Thanks, Giving, and Everything in Between

Every year, on the fourth Thursday of November, people across the United States celebrate Thanksgiving; a day for gratitude, good food, and gathering with loved ones. The holiday traces back to 1621, when Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people shared a three-day feast in Plymouth, Massachusetts, to celebrate a successful harvest. While that event has often been remembered as a moment of unity, many now also recognize it as a complex part of American history, one that includes both cooperation and conflict between Indigenous peoples and European settlers. Today, Thanksgiving is about more than just history; it’s about reflecting on what we’re thankful for and how we can share that gratitude with others.

From turkey dinners to football games to “Friendsgiving” celebrations, every family has its own traditions. But the true spirit of the holiday lies in the name itself — thanks and giving. Whether it’s volunteering at a food bank, writing a thank-you note, or simply sharing a meal with someone who needs company, small acts of generosity can make a big difference. Gratitude isn’t just a once-a-year event. It’s a mindset that can strengthen friendships, improve well-being, and bring communities closer together.

Your Task:
Create a “Gratitude in Action” idea for your school or neighborhood. It could be:

• A thank-you campaign for teachers or local workers

• A class food drive or kindness wall

• A social media post sharing what you’re grateful for and encouraging others to do the same

• Give your idea a name, slogan, and one way to make it happen to spread the spirit of thanks and giving.