Is Thanksgiving like Christmas without the religious stuff? They are both a time for families to get together

Answer 1

Well, religious people are always religious regardless of the occasion...

But yeah actually it was meant to be a sort of patriotic celebration of the survival of the (religious, granted) pilgrims through the first harsh year after coming to America. That's why it's only celebrated in the US. There isn't any global religious significance.

The dinner goes much like Christmas around here, big dinner that's usually turkey, and the family sitting around the table (hopefully) enjoying each other's company. There aren't any gifts exchanged usually, except maybe something for the hostess like wine or flowers. There aren't really any Thanksgiving lights or songs to speak of.

When I lived in Europe I missed my family more at Thanksgiving than I did at Christmas, oddly enough. I guess maybe because there were some Christmas celebrations going on that were very fun.

It might be seen as a sort of warm-up for the Christmas holiday (or Yule for me... same difference).

Answer 2

I am a Christain...but Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. But Thanksgiving is a time for everyone is be thankful for something. If you have good health, family, a roof over your head, and food to eat...be thankful!! Be thankful for even some of the stress in your life, because that makes the good times even better.
I prefer Thanksgiving because there isn't the gift giving ritual. (I just happen be believe Chrsitmas is atually a pagan holiday.) There's nothing 'material' involved in Thanksgiving.....so this is the time I get closer to my God. And it doesn't mean you have to have turkey and all the trimmings. There have been times we BBQed!
Whatever you do....I hope you enjoy the day.

Answer 3

Well Thanksgiving is more to give thanks about our country and christmas is more to give our love to jesus being born. So I guess without the religious stuff it's the same with family's getting together

Answer 4

I agree with the first comment. Thanksgiving was when the Pilgrims *gave thanks* to *GOD* for everything he had blessed them with, in spite of everything bad that had happened (over half of their people had died! You can ONLY give thanks to God in a time like that).

Now, today, neither Christmas nor Thanksgiving are very religious. Santa Claus, Christmas trees, incredibly, outgrageously expensive gifts, and few people actually focus on the birth of Christ and how special it was. And how many people do you know that ACTUALLY give thanks at Thanksgiving? Sorry if I'm sounding like a pessismist, but it's really more realism than anything.

So this holiday season, take time to think about what it truly means : )!

Answer 5

Yes. Its is time to be with families, and also to create your own traditions. Families play the give and take game on these special occasions . Discuss the schedule in advance - such as christmas with my parents, Thanksgiving with yours this year. Let us reverse the arrangement next year.
Make your own memories as a family so your children will landmark their lives with that feeling you had of being cherished and loved in the house. where they grew up.

Answer 6

i'll in all probability have the two right here simply by fact the toddlers nonetheless artwork and that i'm retired and have quite some time. it is going to likely be a small amassing as we are In Oregon and my daughter and her family members are in Missouri and grandkids are in Idaho, Washington, 2 sons, their different halves, and 2 grandkids right here on the city, so will pry be 8-10 right here which incorporates Chuck and that i.

Answer 7

While it is true that holidays are a great time to gather, I find Thanksgiving just as "religious" as I give thanks to God for his love and direction and blessings to me and my family.

Answer 8

Who do you think the Pilgrims were giving thanks to? I can't speak to what others do today, but my thanks is directed to God.