“Anyway, why should I give thanks on Thanksgiving? What have I got to be thankful for?” is a quote that I have heard Sally Brown say at least 15 times in my life. It’s from the classic, and, in my opinion, the best, Thanksgiving movie, A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving. Every year, no matter what I am doing, my favorite 25 minutes of the holiday break are spent relaxing, watching this timeless Charles M. Schulz masterpiece.
During some of my earliest memories of watching the Peanuts classic, I strongly related to Sally Brown. Like her, I overlooked the deeper meaning of the day. I lacked gratitude, seeing Thanksgiving as just another holiday where I couldn’t get any presents and had to wear an outfit I didn’t choose. I would try to recall any big gesture done for me throughout the year to be grateful for, but was unable to name a single one. My older cousins’ sarcasm and lack of sincerity surrounding the day reinforced my opinions and lack of enthusiasm.
As I entered my pre-teen years, I grew more appreciative of Thanksgiving. I began to look forward to the cute pictures and good food, but, still, saw it as only that. Sally Brown’s question of “What have I got to be thankful for?” continued to resonate with me. Each year, it acted as reflection of my own persistent lack of gratitude.
Now, as a teenager, my perspective has changed even more drastically. I’ve come to realize that while grand gestures are nice, the small gestures of love from those who care about you are what truly count. Watching A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving feels different as I mature. Charlie, Snoopy and Linus still make me laugh, but in a way that evolved with time. Sally Brown still makes me reflect on what I am thankful for: my loving family, our traditions and even a 25-minute cartoon.
