Thanksgiving holiday should stay

Thanksgiving has recently come under fire due to its history. A sanitized version of the holiday’s story hides the true facts of the destruction of native societies and cultures. Although the day stems from brutality and genocide, the modern representation of Thanksgiving is removed enough from its origins to detach them. 

In its modern form, Thanksgiving is focused on family celebrations. It is a period where relatives gather and share the reasons why they are grateful for each other. Relation to the so-called “first Thanksgiving” in the present day is only in the vaguest sense; put simply, giving thanks for things. A large gathering of people coming together to share food is the primary link between the popularized legend and modern versions of the event. 

Thanksgiving also provides time for students to decompress and relax before finals. Throughout December, much of the work placed upon students intensifies; a week of break before the final stretch grants time for people to prepare themselves, both mentally and academically. 

Those who oppose the Thanksgiving holiday claim that the origins of the celebration are in death and brutality. While that may be true, it does not mean that the modern festivities still hold those traditions. It is safe to say that nobody in the modern day is celebrating the destruction of native cultures and tribes brought by European settlers. 

The break provided over the Thanksgiving week is ultimately a benefit to students, regardless of its past. It allows students to rest and recuperate before the end of the first semester, and it also provides an opportunity to celebrate the holiday with family and friends alike.