Have you ever introduced Thanksgiving to your characters? Maybe you have characters that know what it is because it goes along with your setting, but what about other worldly characters? Have you ever tried to explain it? How would you explain it? Would you simply say its a holiday that started because some people got on a boat, crossed an ocean, then shared a meal with people native to the land they arrived on? Or would you forgo the history behind Thanksgiving and just focus on what it really is? A holiday dedicated to celebrating what we’re thankful for. How do we celebrate? By throwing a big feast, of course.
If I explained Thanksgiving to my characters, I would have one in particular that would be all over it. They would be so excited. They’d prepare a great feast that the castle would smell like it was made out of delectable food. Turkey, pig, ribs, sausage, cornucopias full of fruits, stuffed gourds, pumpkin pie, apple pie, whatever kind of pie they could think of to make. Let’s also not forget the tarts and cranberry sauces and other fruity jams. Every table of the main hall would have a feast and all would be welcome.
The majority of my other characters would attend this feast because why would you miss out on so much food? Decorations would be strung up. Probably a lot of feathers and leaves, red and orange ribbons, and candles at every centerpiece. It would be a time of togetherness. My one character in particular would want to do the tradition of saying what you’re thankful for. They wouldn’t let anyone skimp out of it by saying the typical “I’m thankful for food,” or “I’m thankful for the roof over my head.” They’d want to get specific. What are the little things everyone is thankful for?
Those characters able to let down their guard are able to answer honestly. I’m thankful for an arrow that always flies true. Thankful for late nights talking with loved ones. Thankful that throughout all life’s hardships, we’re still here to be together.
I’d ask my main character next and he’d try to blow it off, but eventually, I think he’d say he’s grateful for dreams we don’t realize we want and the loyal friends he has that help him on his great adventures. And, those friends of his? One would be grateful for adventure, for new experiences that help him grow. Another would be grateful for nature. Every sunrise and sunset. The way the leaves dapple in the light and a trickling creek in the hot prairie sun. The last would refuse to answer, but I know she’d be grateful for people who accept her.
There are several characters I have that would attend the festivities. You can’t expect villains to show up to a Thanksgiving feast. However, I would have one that would want to. They’d never admit it. They’d never say it, but deep down, they wish they could be a part of the togetherness. They know they don’t belong and, honestly? They don’t feel they have anything to be thankful for.
Introducing Thanksgiving to your characters is a fun thought. You see who would like it. Who would hate it, and you might learn something new about them. I hope you know what you’re thankful for this Thanksgiving. I dare you to get specific and a good, hard look at all the blessings that you have.
nikki diekemper 