Why Thanksgiving Shouldn't Be The Only Day When We Are Thankful

 I love podcasts. There is never a time when I don't want to listen to a podcast EXCEPT... 

Thanksgiving is one of those exceptions. Irrespective of the historical accuracy of the first Thanksgiving, I think it's one of the most important days of the year. 

Sadly, holidays have become opportunities to plan a long weekend trip, enjoy another day off from the grind of work, or, even sadder, miss the chance to spend time with our families.

Thanksgiving is special among all the holidays, even Christmas. It's not bogged down in religious disputes spun by Fox News and other media intent on driving us apart instead of connecting us together as a community. 

Keep in mind that Thanksgiving doesn't have the religious connections of Christmas, yet 13 nations celebrate some form of a Thanksgiving holiday. Those countries include the United States, Canada, and Liberia, though many other nations like Germany, Japan, and South Korea celebrate similar holidays focused on harvest and gratitude. These celebrations vary widely in origin and tradition, from harvest festivals to days honoring labor, and are sometimes tied to religious or historical events.  

These nations, which have wildly different origin stories and traditions, understand the vital need for gratitude and giving thanks for what we have.  

I want to offer thanks to all the faithful readers of Ear Worthy and supporters of independent podcasts. I feel a special bond with those who love podcasts. You are a special breed. 

I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge the fortitude, skill, persistence, passion, and creativity of all independent podcasters. The origin story of Thanksgiving -- such as it is told -- involves a 1621 harvest feast shared between the English colonists in Plymouth, Massachusetts, and the Wampanoag people.

 Just as it took courage for the English settlers to leave their homes and come to a new, unexplored world, so too did independent podcasters brave a new world when they stepped into the podcasting universe. The deck is stacked against them by the large companies -- Amazon, iHeart, Spotify, SiriusXM -- and yet, they persevere. 

Today, we put down our earbuds -- unless Uncle Larry is coming to dinner to explain why the moon landing was all faked. In that case, permission granted to listen to an indie podcast like Shifting Terrain at a high volume, so Uncle Larry’s conspiracy theories go unheeded. 

No phones today, no football during dinner (You heard me), no grudges still lingering, while we enjoy a good appetite and a good sense of humor.

For those who do not have a family to share this day with, or the financial ability to enjoy such a festive dinner, we offer you our determination to make life better for all, not just the rich and entitled. 

I'll end today with a quote by Douglas Wood, who said, "The heart that gives thanks is a happy one, for we cannot feel thankful and unhappy at the same moment."

My advice: Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.