Thanksgiving: A Feast, a Holiday, and a Chance to Thank Your Healthcare Heroes

Ah, Thanksgiving! The day of stretchy pants, endless feasts, and the age-old tradition of watching Uncle Bob fall asleep mid-sentence. But before we dive into a tryptophan coma, let’s rewind a bit and take a look at how Thanksgiving became the all-American holiday it is today, and why it’s the perfect excuse to show a little extra love to your healthcare team.

A Brief History of Thanksgiving (A.K.A. How We Got Here)

Thanksgiving has roots that go way back—think 1621, Pilgrims, Native Americans, and a big ol' meal (or so the story goes). The historical tale, simplified and sentimentalized, tells of a harmonious feast shared between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people, marking a successful harvest. Fast forward a couple of hundred years, and the story of Thanksgiving got even bigger than that dessert table on Thursday.

Thanksgiving didn't become an official national holiday until 1863, smack dab in the middle of the Civil War, when President Abraham Lincoln thought a day of gratitude might help unite a divided nation. He declared it a national holiday, and voila! We got ourselves Thanksgiving. And while some parts of the holiday story are romanticized, what matters today is the spirit of gratitude, a massive turkey, and that irresistible pumpkin pie.

Thanksgiving Today: Food, Family, and…Your Healthcare Team?

Today, Thanksgiving has evolved into a holiday where family, friends, and football collide (usually over someone’s questionable casserole). But let’s take a minute to think about another group we should be incredibly thankful for: our healthcare team. These heroes—your doctors, nurses, massage therapists, physical therapists, dentists, and more—keep you in tip-top shape all year long, even when you eat a bit too much stuffing.

Remember, while you’re out shopping, prepping, and baking, your healthcare team is still on the job, ready to swoop in with everything from back adjustments to flu shots, so you can enjoy the season comfortably.

Show a Little Love: Bake, Tip, and Spread the Cheer!

So, why not give a little back to those who are always giving to you? If you’re already baking pies, cookies, or a few dozen dinner rolls, throw an extra batch in for your favorite healthcare office! Imagine how much more fun their day will be when you waltz in with a box of fresh-baked goodies.

And hey, don’t forget that tips are a perfect way to show your gratitude too. The holidays are an ideal time to give a little extra—whether it’s your massage therapist keeping your shoulders knot-free or your physical therapist helping you recover from a holiday mishap.

Here’s a breakdown of how to say “thank you” with a little flair:

1. Drop off treats: A simple box of cookies or a pie could make their day. Just make sure it’s shareable (and maybe label it so everyone knows it’s for the whole team).
2. Tip Big: Whether it’s a few extra dollars or a little holiday bonus, your healthcare providers will appreciate the extra gesture. They’re putting up with your holiday stress, after all!
3. Write a Funny Card: Add some humor to brighten their day. A thank-you card with a joke about surviving Uncle Bob’s stories goes a long way.
4. Send a Thank-You Message on Social Media: Tag your healthcare office in a “thank you” post to publicly spread the love and appreciation.

In Conclusion: Thank Your Healthcare Heroes

So, this Thanksgiving, as you enjoy that epic meal and delicious desserts, remember to be thankful for all those who keep you healthy and happy. Thanksgiving may just be a holiday, but gratitude can be an everyday thing. Let’s make it more than about the food—and thank those who make our lives just a little easier, healthier, and brighter.

And who knows, maybe next year you’ll be the one getting the thank-you note from your healthcare team!