"Gratitude in the Glow: Reflections on Thanksgiving 2025"
As the last echoes of Thanksgiving dinner fade and the world outside my window twinkles with early holiday lights, I'm struck by how this uniquely American tradition continues to anchor us in 2025. Yesterday, November 26, families across the nation gathered around tables laden with turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie—recipes passed down like heirlooms. But beyond the feast, Thanksgiving 2025 felt like a quiet rebellion against the chaos of our hyper-connected lives. President Trump's ceremonial pardon of the national turkeys, Gobble and Waddle, in the Rose Garden wasn't just a quirky ritual; it was a reminder of mercy and second chances. Broadcast live, it drew millions, blending humor with a nod to conservation—Gobble and Waddle headed to a farm sanctuary, free from the holiday fate. Meanwhile, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade soared with iconic balloons like Snoopy and Spider-Man, a spectacle that's evolved since 1924 but still sparks childlike wonder ...