When many teens are asked “What are you thankful for?” many of them would respond with material objects – “my phone,” “my car,” “my house”. . . While it is important to be appreciative of these conveniences in our lives, Thanksgiving is about much more than these material objects.

  The holiday is primarily celebrated to give thanks. Numerous things such as eating a large meal with family and friends, watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade on TV, and watching football games are also done in the typical American household. But why is it that in other countries, the extravagant meals aren’t made, and the big football game isn’t watched during the holiday?

  In third world countries, such as Africa, food supply is significantly low and poor. The most common causes of “food insecurity” is the climate change, rapid population growth, and livestock diseases and other agricultural problems, according to www.harvesthelp.org.uk. Rich foods with the proper nutrients are rarely found.

   In addition to this issue, the population which lives in that area have never experienced what we Americans have. A table full of warm food and desserts has never been placed in front of them, so why is it that in countries who are fortunate, people still find something to complain about or not be thankful for?

  Yes, in our country some people don’t have it so good, but as a whole, America is known as a free and also stable country. As you get together with your family this holiday, don’t only dig into all of the food, sit down with your loved ones and spend time with them, and also think about how lucky and fortunate you are with what you have. Remember that your problems are not as serious as you think.