Thanksgiving: Then and Now Thanksgiving is a holiday that began hundreds of years ago. It was a celebration of many different things. One of the most important reasons for the celebration was gratitude that many Pilgrims survived the first year of their new life in America. Today, however, Thanksgiving seems to have a very different meaning to people. Their main goal is not to be grateful for the things they have, but to want more. In September of the year 1620, a group of 102 eager people boarded the Mayflower to begin a chapter in their lives. There was a lot of uncertainty regarding the choice to board the ship. People who decided to make the journey to the New World were called Pilgrims. The purpose of the pilgrims' journey to the New World was to be able to practice their religion as they chose. The pilgrims did not have this freedom in their homeland because the king had the power to tell the people how they should practice religion (Thanksgiving Day). The journey to America was long and uncomfortable for the passengers of the Mayflower. However, they finally reached the land that would become their new home only a few months after leaving England. Since it was winter when the Pilgrims dropped anchor in Plymouth, Massachusetts, many passengers elected to remain aboard the ship until spring. The winter proved to be very challenging for the pilgrims. Many of them contracted diseases and did not survive. In fact, only about half of the people who agreed to make the journey survived the first winter in Plymouth (Thanksgiving Day). The Pilgrims worked hard to establish a new home in Plymouth. Local Indian tribes became loyal to the Pilgrims. One Indian in particular, Squanto, who knew English...... middle of paper...... multiple catalogs and advertisements to find the shops where you could get the best deals. Then, they create a plan of the stores where they will shop. Often, people go on Thanksgiving evening to get a spot in line at a store, so they can be one of the first shoppers allowed inside the store. As has been made clear, Thanksgiving has some qualities that have remained the same throughout the years. years. However, much of the Thanksgiving celebration has changed. One thing that hasn't changed is that families generally still get together and share a good meal. Today, however, Thanksgiving seems to have a very different meaning to people. Americans are more focused on television programs and purchasing more material things than on being grateful for the blessings they have received, as the Pilgrims were grateful for their success in the New World.