We all know that we don’t need a special day to give thanks for our blessings. However, such a day serves as a wonderful reminder—and some of us may need that prompt to express our gratitude to others.
In the United States, Thanksgiving is deeply rooted in history. In 1620, the Pilgrims arrived on the Mayflower and established a colony on the east coast. After a harsh first year, the Wampanoag people taught them how to sow native seeds. The subsequent successful harvest in 1621 was a triumph of cooperation, which the two groups celebrated with a three-day feast. This event is widely considered the first American Thanksgiving—a significant milestone demonstrating how people can live and work together for the benefit of all.
Interestingly, a celebration of gratitude also takes place in Japan around this time of year. It is called Kinro Kansha no Hi (Labor Thanksgiving Day), a national holiday dedicated to honoring community helpers and workers.
Annually, the children of Ohana International School embrace this spirit by visiting their local Fire Station, Police Station, and Post Office. They deliver handmade gifts and cards, their small hands offering tokens filled with immense gratitude and joy.
It is often the small, heartfelt gestures that mean the most. Teaching children these essential values of appreciation and community from their earliest years is one of the most effortless and important lessons we can share.
