RateItAll: The Opinion Network

I feel that if you have your health and your family, there's a lot to give thanks for.

Love this holiday the most.My brother and sister and I are all in separate colleges manage to get home.There is something about waking up on that morning and smelling turkey and watching the football games in the afternoon that you just can't beat..

The best. Food. Family. Football. A gentle reminder of the ethnic cleansing of native American tribes. Long lines at the airport still don't drag down this holiday.

What a wonderful holiday. A time to get together and get as big as a killin' hog eating everything that ain't tied down.

I love Thanksgiving because it gives me a chance to get together with my relatives. I hardley ever get to see them, and it is always nice to know, that at least one day out of the year gets to be spent with my family.

Who doesn't love this day, it's a day of giving thanks for all that you do have! I always cook a huge traditional Thanksgiving dinner and have family and friends over. Don't forget the leftover turkey!!!

One of my favorites. I respect the pilgrims and the Indians, but I never think about that on Thanksgiving. On Thanksgiving, I'm thinking about two things: The Cowboys game, and food.

Lets face it folks this is an excuse for people to stuff themselves once a year and not feel to guilty about it. They should change the name to eat'in day. Besides the pilgrims sat down to eat with the natives, and then they ended up shooting them, not a great basis for a national holiday.

This is the American Holiday. It was and I would hope it shall continue as a great family holiday that people of all faiths or even lack of fatih, can celebrate.

The one time a year I have to visit the MIL. No wonder I don't like the holiday?

This is my favorite holiday. Nobody expects crazy outlandish gifts, as on Christmas, I get to do some of my favorite things which is cook, eat, get together with family and friends and watch some football on TV; what can be better?

My favorite holiday. A chance to get together with my family, eat good food and have a good time. It's a time to reflect on all the things that have went on during the past year, good and bad. And count our blessings.

A great opportunity for all the family who hate each other to get together for a few hours,,,,,terrible holiday.....

Well, now comes my favorite part- the left overs!!

I enjoy Thanksgiving even though I don't like to overeat. It's just too uncomfortable. But I love people, and especially being with people I love. I really do try to spend Thanksgiving reflecting on all I have to be thankful for. Thanksgiving is better than Christmas because there's all of the joy with much less of the stress. Personally, I would be thrilled if Christmas were not so much about presents. Thanksgiving just takes away so much of that stress. I too am hoping very much for the safe return of friends and extended family members serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. I will be most thankful when they return home, though.

My absolute favorite holiday! This is a holiday that pretty much anyone can appreciate, and it's all about appreciating everything that you've got, which is really important. It's not about getting presents, it's about everything you already have. You get to spend the day with the people you care about, sit down and stuff yourself stupid . . . it even makes cleaning the whole mess up later so worth it! If there were a paradise for me, everyday there would be Thanksgiving! UPDATE: Not to bring people down right now, but here's a stinging reminder about what's there to be thankful for: one of my co-workers found out that her brother had died over in Fallujah a few days ago. I can't even begin to imagine the pain she and her family is going through right now, and I know this has to be especially hard during a holiday that emphasizes togetherness and family. It's easy to forget to not take for granted the people that are close to you; my thoughts to every family who's spending this holiday for the first time without their loved one.

by far my favorite holiday because it combines two of my favorite things, eating and football. would be the perfect holiday if sex was somehow worked into the mix, most likely after football and before eating. or maybe before and after football.

As a traditional American holiday I would love to experience it but I always seem to fly home the week before it happens...I must alter my calendar next time.

For me, this holiday has gone down a knotch or two since I've become a vegetarian, but some Thanksgivings my family does make a solid effort to provide a nice variety of food. I just like the feeling of Thanksgiving...very laid-back, comfortable, and well into the heart of Autumn (my favorite season). I usually have to pretend to be tired and full like everyone else after dinner, because on a diet of artichokes and yams and bread I don't feel all that full.

I have yet to figuire what all the hype is about. On Christmas you can eat just as much and there is so much more than food!

Thanksgiving is the ultimate feel-good American holiday. It's our chance to stuff ourselves with good food and have a lot of fun. Most of all, it's a time when we have to be thankful for all the things that we have. Many times, we forget that we are very lucky to have the things that make life pleasant. We ought to thank the Almighty everyday for everything that we have, but Thanksgiving is the time to reflect on the blessings that have been given to us.

First I would like to say I love Thanksgiving because I get to spend alot more time with family and friends than what I usually get to. And 2nd, I would like to say Happy Thanksgiving to all my friends and even my enemies on RIA. Have a great day....

Thanksgiving (affectionately known as Turkey Day) is a very important holiday to me. Of course I like to gobble (get it?) that delicious grub down as much as anyone else. In actuality, however, that's not exactly what Thanksgiving means. All joking aside, Thanksgiving is knowing and realizing all the blessings God has given me, which is something that pretty much occurs on an everyday basis for me. I've got family and friends I love dearly, a roof over my head, clothes on my back, overall good health, and food to eat -- among COUNTLESS things! I am constantly reminded of the many people who are out in the cold with nowhere to go, nothing to eat, and are lonesome. There are people who are handicapped, sick, and have had tragedy upon tragedy -- yet some of them are still able to find true happiness. Now, I'm not saying I don't have occasional bouts of self-pity and blues because I do (we all do, sometimes). Nevertheless, I constantly see the things I have as compared to the things I don't have. So, if one has the important things in life -- hey, that's really what counts.

I'm going to be honest and state my true feelings for Thanksgiving. I grew up in Michigan where its a huge deal-fresh snow, large meals and come on, the Detroit Lions play every year on this blessed day. I often find it hard to celebrate this though. Based on lies and urban legend, we tell tales of sharing the meal with the Native Americans. But then to repay their generosity, we moved them off their land and introduced them to horrible diseases. Having a strong conscience, I just can't celebrate the demolition of this nation's first people. Not to mention, it is prime example of America's gluttony. Do you think Cambodia has a similar holiday? I think not. They don't have the abundance of wealth and selfishness that we are plagued with. Maybe I'm reading too much into a mindless Hallmark idea, but if I'm going to celebrate-I wanna do so with a clear conscience.

Eat a stupid bird(yes Turkeys are stupid so if any Turkeys are posting on RIA, my apologies) and too much other stuff, watch football(if you like that sport) or go to a movie, then the next day charge like rabid dogs to the after Thanksgiving sales.

thanksgiving is ok...theres always a huge fall fair around that time that i love...i also loe the food and being with family, but i hate turkey! Giving thanks is important too.

Thanksgiving is a wonderfull holiday. It a time to eat great food and not feel bad about it. Famlies come together and you don't have to go to work or school. Each year Thanksgiving is almost being forgotten. The stores have out all the Halloween candy and as soon as that is over here comes the Christmas stuff, well what about Thanksgiving. This is an important holiday to be over looking. Each year Christmas comes sooner and sooner until we won't have a Thanksgiving. People just want it to be the day after Thanksgiving so they can go shopping.

This is definately one of my favorite holidays of the year. For me, every year, it is a time for celebration for one because it marks the beginning of that month-long road to Christmas. The Christmas lights start going up around Thanksgiving. Moreover, it is a time when I can sit around with my loved ones and eat great food, and as Wiggum said, its probably the last non-commercialized holiday out there as people do not have to buy each other gifts for Thanksgiving. It is merely a time for all Americans to reflect on their life and give thanks for all of the blessings in our life and our country, and hopefully, help out those not fortunate enough to celebrate the holiday with a huge feast.

I always liked getting a few days out of school and gorging myself with mashed potatoes, ham, and turkey.

Thanksgiving, along with Independence Day, is a very important American holiday. It is the day we give thanks to the Indians who saved the Pilgrims from starvation.

Time goes by so fast that all people care about is the food and football. Despite that, Thanksgiving is a good holiday becuaes of all the food! The extended vacation means were out of school!

The food is good, the parade is on tv, football is on after that, you talk about who wants what for Christmas (which is right around the corner), it's a four-day weekend for most people.

Its a great time for making memories if you have a few people close that you care about. But personally, I think its overrated and too stressful. First this and then christmas one month apart? Ill take xmas over thanksgiving anyday.

Wish I could give this about 4 1/2 stars because it's better than good, but not as good as Christmas. Thanksgiving is all about the food. And maybe watching a game on t.v. Mostly food though, and plenty of it. And, of course, being with family and friends. I like turkey all right, but I could live without it on Thanksgiving, and as far as cranberry sauce goes, forget it. Nasty stuff. Thanksgiving also kind of gets everyone in the mood for Christmas. It's like a warm-up holiday. I hope everybody remembers how lucky we are to have all that food and to give thanks to the man upstairs for letting us be here to enjoy it.

delicious food all day long, and usually for about a week thereafter! it's a time to fellowship with your family and really think about all the things you are thankful for - especially when you're old enough to realize how good you've had and have it. i have many fond, wholesome memories of thanksgiving. i'm looking forward to another great one.

THIS IS NOT A WORLD WIDE CELEBRATION, ONLY YANKS CELEBRATE IT!

A day of great food, dressing up and being with your family in the cozy environment of "home"... what's not to like? Little kids don't appreiciate it as much as Christmas, but once they grow older, they can look back on past Thanksgivings and forward to future ones with infinite fondness and, well, thankfulness!

Although not as good as the Present giving and recieving days (Christmas, Easter, Birthday) this one is pretty good. The entire family and friends of the family get together for a good time of eating, talking, and yes cleaning up :) I just hate that the fast food places are closed that day because I don't like any of the stereotypical Thanksgiving foods. I usually eat chicken nuggets or Jambalya or something along those lines. :) But, aside from that, a good holiday!

Great food, great to get two days off (if you're lucky), but basically a bunch of sitting around and waiting. The food takes forever, and then it's gone in a flash. Even the football tends to be boring. Basically, this is just a holiday that is an excuse to sit around all day and pig out.

This is probably my favorite holiday because it is really a time of being philanthropic and being thankful for what you have got as the Puritans (Pilgrims) did when they first celebrated it with the Native Americans. It is great time to be with family.

I usually look forward to Thanksgiving. Like most families we have a big dinner.Turkey with all the trimmings. And enough for leftovers for all. I always like the thought of a second meal from Thanksgiving dinner. We usually have a pleasant time together with family members. A nice holiday for get togethers.

Good, but why is it above Christmas? People overlook Christmas's food, they assume Thanksgiving is the food holiday but Christmas has the same food, there is just other more interesting things then.

It's the day we celebrate as the beginning of the conquering of the indian savages.

A no pressure holiday. Just football, great food, and good company. It's too close to Christmas, though. Lets move it to September.

I don't understand how people can rate Thanksgiving above Christmas. Thanksgiving is not even linked to christianity. It has no biblical meaning. Not only that, but it's not a legitimate earthly holiday. I mean, only Americans celebrate it... Now Christmas is Christmas! No matter where in the world you live, even if you're not Christian, Christmas has some influence in the whole world, while Thanksgiving is just a day they made up where people give thanks. That's alright with me, but it's in no way superior to Christmas. Nothing is. What is even more irritating is that some religious reviewers actually have gone as far as saying that Thanksgiving is better than Christmas because you can party without having to go to Church. In my book, that is just plain disrespectful. Going to Church on Christmas should not be a duty, but rather an occasion to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The people who said that should already know that before stating such blasphemies... You know who you are...

I think Thanksgiving is a great day for families and loved ones to get together, and to be thankful for the fact that they CAN be together. And that they have food on the table....A lot of people don't all year around, let alone Thanksgiving.

What could be better than chance to get together with family and friends, cook and eat the traditional fare, veg in front of the TV, clean up and hopefully relax a bit? Did I also mention give THANKS for the opportunity to be able to do all of the above? I hate to disappoint those who may not be in favor of it, but if there hadn't been some religious aspect involved in the founding of this holiday (think about it, just WHOM are we thanking?), we would have to call it Gluttonous Thursday or something equally silly.

Drumsticks are my favorite part of a turkey... if I were one of the many bad reviewers on this site, that's all I'd say. Anyway, I'll continue. Thanksgiving is all about family togetherness... a great feeling to be among others that you don't really see too often. Not counting the commercialism aspect of Christmas, it and Thanksgiving are pretty much very similar to one another, but with one important difference that makes Thanksgiving shine above Christmas--it's not a religious holiday. Which basically means you don't have to waste part of your holiday going to church, hearing the same things you hear every week in there. You just spend the day talking and eating... and that's pretty much it. But oh, that's very much so good enough! Life is made good!

This is a great holiday where families get together and eat a big dinner. there is Turkey, Stuffing, Cranberry sauce, and other foods. The only pain about thanksgiving is leftovers. It is also a holiday about the pilgrims and the indians having a big dinner to say thanks for what they lived for.

Absolutely the best - no work, no religious afiliations, no major preparations - just family, freinds, food, football, good weather, peace (oh yea, and an occasional Christmas special on the tube).

As I always say... "Food, My Favorite!" Since I really love to eat this is a great holiday for me. I know that I am not thankful enough for the things I have in life, so it sort of helps me to reflect on them during this holiday. I just wish more families and friends could come together than do and relax and enjoy each others company much more... the world is just too rushed these days!!!

As for a pure holiday, probably the absolute best. Christmas and Easter have their significant place but Thanksgiving is just a great time. Family, friends and more food to eat in a 24-hour period than should be allowed by law. To top it off, they really can’t seem to figure out how to commercialize it. Oh, don’t get me wrong we do get bombarded but they had to borrow Christmas and start it a month early to do so. Eat, watch football games then fall into a deep food induced comma. AAHHH pure ecstasy!!!

absolutely the best day of the year - all religions and races participate in the US. Food, family, football, and relaxation. When I am elected President every day will be Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving is the ideal holiday. Great food, time with family, a four-day weekend, and no pressure to decorate, buy presents, or attend church. I also like the way that almost everyone in the United States celebrates Thanksgiving, making it a holiday that unifies people from lots of different backgrounds. My only complaint is that it falls too close to Christmas. If I were in charge, I'd move the celebration of Thanksgiving to September, which would provide a bit of breathing room before you have to prepare the same dinner again for Christmas.

Without a doubt one of my favorite holidays. You get amazing food, a four-day weekend, time to spend with your family, and time to reflect on all the great things in your life, WITHOUT the added stress of having to buy people presents, give cards, etc. Thanksgiving may be the best holiday out there.