A Season of Gratitude

Dear families and friends,

 

As Thanksgiving draws closer, I am reminded of how much I love this particular holiday and the season in which it is celebrated. Growing up in London, I was always drawn to television shows and movies depicting Thanksgiving celebrations. I clearly remember loving the concept of coming together with family and friends over good food and shared traditions. The fact that this celebration existed without the need for the exchange of material gifts was something that resonated with me strongly. I also love the autumnal season and relish the fact that Thanksgiving falls just before winter commences. As I have lived most of my adult life in the United States, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience Thanksgiving annually, and I love it just as much today as I always thought I would. 

 

However, my first Thanksgiving in the United States, in November 1995, was not quite the warm and happy dream I had imagined. I’d only been living in Dallas, Texas, for a few months and was working hard to stay afloat in my first job as a middle school science teacher. I looked forward to Thanksgiving break as a chance to catch up on some grading and lesson planning. I turned down invitations to celebrate with friends and colleagues for fear of intruding on their special time with loved ones, allowing my perception of good manners to dictate my response to kind invites. On Thanksgiving day, I found myself picking up food from the only place open and eating a very unappetizing fast food meal alone in a parking lot, bitterly regretting turning down the offers of generous hospitality that I had received. It was a moment that I’ve never forgotten, and it has formed the basis of my approach to this special holiday ever since. 

 

On every Turkey Day since my first, I have endeavored to reach out to others, to accept kindness, show it in return, and bring the spirit of the day to those who may lack it. Whether it is donating to the local Food Bank, offering to help cook side dishes for neighbors, committing some hours to volunteerism during the break, or inviting new friends to share the festivities of the day, my family and I have always worked to share as much of the spirit of gratitude as we receive. 

 

Thanksgiving is about gratitude, love, sharing, friendship, and togetherness. It also often brings families together around particularly good and lovingly prepared food and family traditions. It is typically a time when busy lives can be temporarily suspended in favor of savoring the gift of companionship and togetherness. Of course, it is a time when many can feel lonely, lost, or friendless. It can also be a day of continued hard work or suffering. As we look to our own Thanksgiving celebrations in 2024, I hope we can remember our blessings, offer support to someone in need, known or unknown, and relish our opportunities to share gratitude and grace throughout the season.

 

At Chatham Hall, we are blessed by your presence in our community. On behalf of the entire Chatham Hall Community, we wish you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving!

Sara Stephenson

Rector & Head of School