From the Editor

Happy Thanksgiving! - Practice Gratitude, Always

This year Thanksgiving will be observed on Thursday, November 24, 2022. During this time, millions of Americans take time off work (a 4-day weekend starting Thursday) and spend time with family and friends over a large feast held on Thanksgiving Day. While being grateful for your food, friends, and family, take a little time to remember Sarah Josepha Hale, a woman who helped make this national day of thanks possible. Sarah Josepha Buell was born on October 24, 1788, on a farm in Newport, New Hampshire. She is remembered as a curious, intelligent, and eager-to-learn woman. Encouraged to follow her dreams by her husband, David Hale, Sarah wrote many short stories and articles. Many of these were published in local newspapers just like ours! Mr. Hale passed away suddenly in 1822, leaving Sarah with five young children to take care of. To make ends meet, she worked at small retail shops, and she also spent time working as a teacher and writer. Hale published her first book of poems, including one that became the famous nursery rhyme “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” Her writing success opened many doors for her, becoming the Chief Editor of a local magazine. During her time as editor, Hale wrote hundreds of letters to governors, ministers, newspaper editors, and every U.S. president with one request: to make the last Thursday in November be set aside to “offer to God our tribute of joy and gratitude for the blessings of the year.” Native American Harvest Festivals had already been taking place for centuries in North America, with colonists’ services to give thanks, but there had For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com NOVEMBER 2022 5For Advertising Info 727-943-0551 I info@nnlflorida.com or visit tbnewsandlifestyles.com OCTOBER 2021 5never been a “Thanksgiving” holiday.

In 1864, with the country torn by the Civil War, Hale’s campaign finally got people’s attention and President Abraham Lincoln’s attention, who particularly liked Hale’s idea. On October 3, 1863, Lincoln issued a proclamation declaring the last Thursday of November as “National Thanksgiving Day.” Furthermore, Lincoln ordered all government offices in Washington to be closed that day to spend the day with loved ones and give thanks.

In 1939, President Roosevelt was pressured by store owners to move Thanksgiving to the third Thursday in November to allow more shopping days between the Holiday and Christmas. Roosevelt agreed, but millions of Americans didn’t follow the orders and continued celebrating Thanksgiving Day on the last Thursday of November. In 1940, Roosevelt realized the decision was a mistake and re-assigned it to the fourth Thursday in November.

In the spirit of gratefulness and giving back, I would like to invite all of our readers to consider volunteering or donating (as much or as little as possible) to any local shelters or non-profit organizations that support a cause that speaks to you and that you may be passionate about.

For volunteer opportunities in your area, please visit: https://unitedwaysuncoast.org/

I wish you all a happy, blessed, and bountiful Thanksgiving day from our family to yours!

Until next time,

Carla M. Dubis Tedeschi.