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The Offical White House Turkey Photo. It wasn't a Thanksgiving Holiday to start with, it was a fall harvest gathering, celebrated on and off in New England from Pilgrim times. George Washington, as President declared it a time to give thanks, but not all presidents issued Thanksgiving Proclamations unitl Abe Lincoln in 1863. Since 1947, in the Truman Administration a turkey has been presented to the President, which is 'pardoned' by the Chief Executive.

It is a time to give thanks, a time for friends and family to gather together. eating too much, parades, watching television, playing football, and eating too much. Rituals are standardized activites that we follow. That standardization can provide stability and comfort but the rituals become very important. I hope that the rituals you use to celebrate, do not become a burden.

Holidays are reflective of values that are important to us. Thanksgiving speaks to us about being grateful for the bounties we have received through the year, of family and friends, but also of the importance of diversity and helping those in need.