Good morning and happy Thanksgiving. Welcome to this special edition of our newsletter. Our team is taking a holiday break, but we’ll be back on Monday to bring you more of the day’s essential news, along with a sprinkle of joy and wonder.
‘A Time for Gratitude’
by Michel Martin, Morning Edition and Up First host
Thanksgiving often inspires reflections on gratitude. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich once shared a thought-provoking idea that resonates with the essence of this holiday. He suggested, “The test of any program or project should be: If you weren’t already doing it, would you start?” This question is especially relevant when considering Thanksgiving’s significance.
Thanksgiving, with its complex history, challenges us to reflect on the past and consider new traditions. While the original 1621 gathering symbolized gratitude, it also led to significant loss for the Wampanoag people. Today, the holiday is often marked by excess, from food to shopping, which can overshadow its true spirit.
Despite these challenges, the essence of Thanksgiving remains significant. It reminds us of the value of gratitude and togetherness. It’s a day to cherish connections with loved ones, whether they’re long-time companions or new arrivals.
Susan Stamberg’s Cranberry Relish Legacy
Behold: Mama Stamberg’s cranberry relish. (Yes, it’s supposed to be that color.)
Ariel Zambelich/NPR
Since 1971, Susan Stamberg has added her mother-in-law’s unique cranberry relish recipe to NPR’s Thanksgiving lineup. This recipe, with its unexpected ingredients like sour cream and horseradish, has sparked curiosity and debate over the years. Though Stamberg passed away last month, her legacy continues, and this beloved holiday tradition endures.
This year, Morning Edition host Steve Inskeep discussed the recipe with Stamberg’s grandchildren. Moments from past years highlight how NPR has celebrated this unique dish. In 2001, the tradition was nearly halted, but patriotism kept it alive. From Martha Stewart’s conversation with Stamberg in 2005 to a 2019 chat with Ocean Spray’s CEO, the relish has inspired many.
Thanksgiving Narratives to Explore
If you’re seeking reasons to be thankful this year, consider the cost of your Thanksgiving meal. The price of a whole frozen turkey has decreased by 16% compared to last year, as reported by the American Farm Bureau Federation.
While holidays are meant for family bonding, they can sometimes lead to tension and conflicts. To help maintain harmony at your family gatherings, Life Kit and It’s Been a Minute offer 12 strategies to keep the peace.
Think desserts are the highlight of your meal? Science says whole grains might be the real mood boosters. Their unique fibers can enhance your mood and lower the risk of mood disorders. Consider using whole wheat bread in your stuffing this year.
Author Carole Boston Weatherford and illustrator Frank Morrison’s latest collaboration, Family Feast!, captures a family not only preparing a meal but also sharing it. This picture book celebrates food, family, and love, embodying the spirit of Thanksgiving and other festive occasions.
This year, Morning Edition traveled across the U.S. in search of unique traditions that might inspire you to rethink Thanksgiving. From southern Iowa’s Yule Fest to the Santa Barbara Zoo’s pumpkin treats for animals, these rituals offer fresh perspectives on holiday celebrations.
This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
