Amidst the hustle and bustle of shopping, party planning and decorating that ushers in the holiday season, many people’s innermost thoughts turn to three things: family, food and gratitude. FOR CENTURIES, CULTURES AND RELIGIONS ACROSS THE GLOBE have commemorated bountiful harvests and other forms of plenty by setting time aside to express gratitude. The United States traces its Thanksgiving holiday to the pilgrims living in Plymouth, Mass., in 1621. After enduring hardships associated with starting over in a new land, they celebrated the rewards of a rich harvest with help from nearby Native … [Read more...]