People across the United States are celebrating
Thanksgiving on on Thursday, an occasion definitely
crippled by COVID-19 pandemic like every other but it sure couldn’t cripple our
ability to extent gratitude, and isn’t that Thanksgiving all about?

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the
fourth Thursday in November in the US. Traditionally,
this holiday celebrates gratitude for the autumn harvest.

Also Read: Here’s what cozy Thanksgiving fashion looks like, pick your outfit 

The American tradition of Thanksgiving dates
back to 1621 when the pilgrims gave thanks for their first harvest in Plymouth
Rock.

This Thanksgiving was celebrated for
three days, with the Americans feasting on dry fruits, turkey, venison and boiled
pumpkin.

It, however, became a federal holiday on October 6, 1941, when President Roosevelt signed a joint resolution declaring the last Thursday in November to be the legal Thanksgiving Day.

The festivities every year are
welcomed a week in advance with Americans visiting each other’s place with a
turkey, followed by a specially cooked Thanksgiving dinner and extending
regards to one another.

But this time, due blow of the
pandemic, which has claimed more than 1.35 million lives globally so far, as per
the recommendations of Centers for
Disease Control people must not travel for Thanksgiving and mark the occasion by
staying at home with the family.

It is also recommended to keep
the gathering as contracted as possible maintaining proper social distance and
leave your masks on at all times, even inside the home. Make virtual wishes and
usage of disposable paper plates a new custom considering the gravity of the situation.

However, despite all the
setbacks, ensure replacing hugs with smiles and whether or not we are able to
see our loved ones, don’t forget to thank God for making our
souls more resilient, flexible and conscious owing to the difficult times.