Thanksgiving has long been celebrated as a day of gratitude, family, and abundance. But as we reflect on the traditions that define this holiday, it’s worth asking: Are our celebrations truly aligned with the values we hold dear? For many, the answer lies in reimagining Thanksgiving as ThanksLiving, a compassionate alternative that honors life, justice, and sustainability.

The Roots of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving’s origins are complex and intertwined with the history of Indigenous peoples in America. While the holiday often centers on themes of gratitude, its historical narrative has overshadowed the experiences of Indigenous communities and the injustices they faced. For this reason, many now observe Indigenous Peoples Day as a way to honor the true history of this land and its first inhabitants.

As we seek to make Thanksgiving more inclusive and ethical, it’s vital to move away from traditions rooted in harm and exploitation. By embracing ThanksLiving, we can honor Indigenous perspectives while aligning the holiday with modern values of compassion and sustainability.

What Is ThanksLiving?

ThanksLiving transforms the traditional Thanksgiving celebration into a day focused on kindness—to all beings. It’s about expressing gratitude through actions that protect the planet, respect animals, and uplift our communities.

Rather than centering the holiday on consumption and sacrifice, ThanksLiving emphasizes ethical living and the joy that comes from making choices aligned with compassion.

The Harmful Impact of Traditional Thanksgiving

For millions of turkeys, Thanksgiving is anything but a time of gratitude. Each year, nearly 46 million turkeys are killed for the holiday in the United States alone. These sentient beings endure lives of suffering on factory farms, confined to cramped spaces and subjected to brutal treatment before ending up on dinner plates.

The environmental toll of this tradition is equally staggering. Animal agriculture is a leading cause of deforestation, water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions. The carbon footprint of producing a single Thanksgiving meal is a stark reminder that our choices have far-reaching consequences.

When we consider these impacts, it’s clear that traditional Thanksgiving celebrations conflict with the holiday’s message of gratitude and abundance.

How to Celebrate ThanksLiving

Celebrating ThanksLiving is about making intentional, compassionate choices that honor all life. Here are some ways to embrace this new tradition:

• Create a Plant-Based Feast: Replace animal-based dishes with delicious, cruelty-free alternatives. From hearty lentil loaves to savory mushroom stuffing and pumpkin pie, there’s no shortage of plant-based recipes that bring life to the table.

• Support Local and Sustainable Businesses: Source ingredients from local farmers’ markets or ethical food producers to reduce your environmental impact and support your community.

• Honor Indigenous History: Incorporate Indigenous stories, recipes, and traditions into your celebration to acknowledge the true history of this land.

• Engage in Acts of Kindness: Use the holiday as an opportunity to give back, whether through volunteering, donating to animal sanctuaries, or supporting causes that fight for social justice.

• Share ThanksLiving with Others: Invite friends and family to join you in this compassionate celebration. Share recipes, talk about the importance of plant-based living, and inspire others to reimagine their own traditions.

Why ThanksLiving Matters

ThanksLiving isn’t just about changing what’s on our plates—it’s about transforming the way we approach life and community. By choosing compassion, we contribute to a broader movement for systemic change. Plant-based choices reduce greenhouse gas emissions, spare countless animals from suffering, and challenge the destructive norms of industrial agriculture.

Moreover, ThanksLiving aligns with the fight for social and environmental justice. From climate change to food insecurity, the ripple effects of ethical living extend far beyond the dinner table. Choosing ThanksLiving is a step toward building a world that values kindness, sustainability, and equality.

Conclusion

This November, let’s turn gratitude into action. By celebrating ThanksLiving, we can honor life in all its forms and lead by example in creating a kinder, more sustainable future. Share your favorite plant-based recipes, educate others about the importance of compassionate living, and inspire your community to join the movement.

Let’s make the last Thursday of November not just a day of thanks, but a day of transformation. Together, we can create a world where gratitude and compassion go hand in hand.

Brandy W. Walt-Rose, Political Advocate

Humane Party