The next few months would prove to be difficult and trying. More than half of the original pilgrims did not survive the first, long, bleak New England winter. But, with the approaching of spring brought them hope. The survivors built homes and planted crops. They made friendships with local Indian tribes, and traded with them. The passing of winter allowed the pilgrims to labor and produce, causing the colony to flourish.
Their governor, William Bradford, proclaimed a day of thanksgiving toward God. They prepared a great feast to enjoy with family and friends—both from within the colony and with neighboring Indian tribes.
The Reality
The reality is many families aren’t able to have a feast on thanksgiving. There are ways we can help those families, by actively participating in food drives, not indulging in meals. Not wasting excess food from Thanksgiving dinner, and most of all, being thankful that we have the opportunity to bond with our families and eat a great meal.