Bay Shore NY
11-25-2025 10:54am

Thanksgiving is Here

SKYLARK'S ARTICLE OF THE WEEK - GIVING THANKS

Thanksgiving is a time to give thanks and be grateful for the many blessings we have.

In 1621, the Plymouth colonists from England and the Native American Wampanoag people shared an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as one of the first Thanksgiving celebrations in the colonies.

For more than two centuries, days of thanksgiving were celebrated by individual colonies and states. It wasn’t until 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. But the holiday is not without controversy. Many Americans—including people of Native American ancestry—believe Thanksgiving celebrations mask the true history of oppression and bloodshed that underlies the relationship between European settlers and Native Americans. The Wampanoag people lost up to 75% of their population during this time. That was a dark time in our history that can't be denied. But the tradition that Abraham Lincoln bestowed remains. What better way to express gratitude than over a meal with friends and family. Stuffing is my personal favorite.

Here's a timeline on this American holiday:

  • Harvest festivals: Both the Pilgrims and Native Americans gave thanks for a bountiful harvest.
  • First Thanksgiving: In 1621, the Wampanoag people and the Plymouth colonists shared a harvest feast after a season of diplomacy. The feast included deer, corn, shellfish, and roasted meat, and was accompanied by singing, dancing, and ball games.
  • 1623 Thanksgiving: The Pilgrims held a religious and social Thanksgiving celebration after a drought destroyed their crops.
  • Sarah Josepha Hale: In 1827, magazine editor Sarah Josepha Hale began a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. She lobbied politicians for 36 years, earning her the nickname the "Mother of Thanksgiving".
  • Abraham Lincoln: In 1863, President Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving a national holiday, scheduling it for the last Thursday in November.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt: In 1939, President Roosevelt moved Thanksgiving up a week to boost retail sales during the Great Depression. This was met with opposition, and in 1941, Thanksgiving was moved back to the fourth Thursday in November.

Even though we continue to celebrate Thanksgiving in a traditional way, our table looks a lot different today than it did all those years ago. Now, our families are more diverse with mixed cultures, same sex partners, and blended families. We continue to explore uncharted territory in personal expression and varied choices of lifestyle. There is always something new to explore. That's what makes life so fascinating. We live in a time where our awareness is expanding, or at least we're talking about it more. The American landscape continues to change and evolve even as old traditions endure. We are more open-minded, but not everyone has embraced this new way of thinking. Times will come, and times will go, but we continue to come together at special times to honor our humanity and celebrate our heritage. Through all the changes in life, the Thanksgiving meal has remained a staple throughout history. Not much of that has changed there. That's something to be thankful for.

Wishing you and your family and friends a very Happy Thanksgiving.

Peace and Love,

Skylark

At 60 and Beyond, it's important to grow with the changes in society while holding on to traditions that are uniquely American.

SKYLARK'S PICK OF THE WEEK

Sagtikos Manor's gift shop is open this weekend from Friday to Sunday from 11:00am to 3:00pm each day. From writing pads with gilded pens, to colorful scarves, earrings, and trinkets, there's something for everyone this holiday season. This is a hidden gem in the back of the house, and the perfect place to Christmas shop. Maybe I'll run into you.

Sagtikos Manor is a unique historic jewel on the South Shore of Suffolk County on Long Island, New York. Its history spans more than three centuries from its original purchase from the Secatogue tribe by Stephanus Van Cortlandt in 1692 to the present. Sagtikos is a Native American word meaning "head of the hissing snake" and is derived from the sound of a small stream that flows through the neck of land upon which the Manor lies.

Visit www.sagtikosmanor.org for more directions and information

SKYLARK'S HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The highlight of the week is the anticipation of Thanksgiving. The temperatures are dropping, but you can feel the warmth as we prepare to gather with friends and family. It's time to give thanks and enjoy being together. From apple pie to pumpkin pie, and everything in between, this is a day to feast on delicious food and home-baked goodies. Let's eat, drink, and be merry! Mangia!

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK

SKYLARK'S PRAYER OF THE WEEK

Dear God,

As we come together this week for Thanksgiving, let us remember how lucky we are to have life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Amen.

SKYLARK'S ITALIAN PHRASE OF THE WEEK

English: Let us give thanks.

Italian: Diamo grazie.

SKYLARK'S QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What are you most thankful for?

Please put your answer in the Reply bubble at the bottom of this newsletter next to the Heart bubble. I'd love to hear from you.

SKYLARK'S INTERIOR DECORATING TIP OF THE WEEK

There's a  new store in Bay Shore called H&A Upholstery. They specialize in reupholstering antique furniture. Tip: don't throw away that old piece of furniture. Let H&A give it new life.

Visit www.haupholsery.com

SKYLARK'S SONG OF THE WEEK - IT'S A WONDERFUL WORLD by LOUIE ARMSTRONG

<!-- EMBEDDED YOUTUBE URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CaCSuzR4DwM -->

LYRICS

I see trees of green
Red roses too
I see them bloom
For me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful worldI see skies of blue
And clouds of white
The bright blessed day
The dark sacred night
And I think to myself
What a wonderful worldThe colors of the rainbow
So pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces
Of people going by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying
I love youI hear babies cry
I watch them grow
They'll learn much more
Than I'll ever know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Yes, I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Ooh, yes

ABOUT MY BRAND, SKYLARK LIVE -60 AND BEYOND WITH SKYLARK

My Brand - Skylark Live - 60 and Beyond with Skylark was born out of my turning 60 and noticing a profound shift in this age. I wanted to talk about it and share what I was experiencing with the hope of helping other women as well. My brand consists of a weekly newsletter and a monthly vlog designed to motivate and inspire women over 60 to thrive in mature ageing through knowledge and self-awareness. One day, I'd like to conduct in-person conversations called The Skylark Sessions. These can be held in someone’s home or at a local library or senior center. Stay tuned.

My Weekly Newsletter - My weekly newsletter, Skylark Live Town News, features articles about human interest, nature, general observations, inspiration, motivation, music, places I've been to, and ideas I want to explore. I represent Bay Shore and towns beyond. There is also a calendar of events. I throw in Italian words, too, because I love the language and all things Italian. Bella Italia! As a paying subscriber, you will receive my newsletter each Wednesday morning in your email. That gives you a head's up. You can also advertise your business or event on my newsletter. Just click this link to subscribe: For updates, subscribe to our free newsletter!

My Monthly Vlog - My first Monday-of-the month vlog is a recap of the articles I've written in my newsletter throughout the previous month. Then, I introduce a unique topic for the current month's vlog. My vlog is recorded and posted on my YouTube channel as well as on my Patreon account and my social media sites. Just click my YouTube channel link below to subscribe: www.youtube.com/@christineskylark

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Thank you for your love and support! Grazie per il vostro amore e sostegno!

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