The  feast that the colonists shared with the Wampanoag Indians in Plymouth, Massachusetts, is widely recognized as the first Thanksgiving celebration. However, many Americans still celebrate this event despite the brutal history between the Native Americans and the pilgrims that took place after the autumn harvest feast in 1621.

The United States was founded on Native American land and not many have forgotten. Americans are reminded of their nation’s history with the Native Americans annually because it has turned into a pricey American holiday, Thanksgiving.

Courtney Bede, a humanities teacher at Skyline High School, gave her perspective on the celebration of gratitude while being educated on the history behind the national holiday.

“I think most people associate it with a time to get together with family, traditional food, and the majority of people separate [Thanksgiving] from the origins of it. I don’t think people really give  a lot of thought to the historical basis anymore” said Bede.

In the educator’s description of her experience with Thanksgiving, she also shared how her knowledge does not stop her from taking the opportunity to spend time with family.

“For me, I grew up with huge family celebrations associated with getting together and giving thanks, not tied to the history of it. I, very much, compartmentalize the two” said Bede. “I enjoy that part of it and it means something different to me. As opposed to all the things that are problematic about where it came from” .

Not everyone chooses to celebrate Thanksgiving. For many, it’s a day of mourning. In USA Today, Jason Rasonette, a member of the Chippewa Cree tribe, described his thoughts on Thanksgiving as a Native American.

“It was founded on the murder of my ancestors and the robbery of our land” said Rasonette. “The only way we can overcome historical trauma is by teaching the truth in schools”.

A few ways to respect Native Americans this holiday season include avoiding Native costumes, teaching Native American history in class, and celebrating Native American literature, culture, and dance when celebrating Thanksgiving.

More progressive ideas and an increase in prices across the nation have led to less people excited to celebrate Thanksgiving. While many Americans may benefit by receiving days off of school and work to have a celebration with those they are grateful for, not all families can afford to have a Thanksgiving dinner anymore. With prices rising and the economy crashing, it may be harder for some to have a traditional dinner of gratitude and decorations.

According to NPR News, In the last two years, Thanksgiving dinner has gotten almost 40% more expensive.

Thankfully, there are alternatives to a turkey dinner. There are several recipes and creative ideas for more affordable feasts all over the internet. Many recipes, such as one from NPR News, recommend purchasing cheaper meat rather than turkey in order to save money and bring more excitement to the table.

The holiday season can typically be associated with gift giving season and constant sales. Although celebrations and festivities lighten the mood, it is important to consider who is receiving the money from your pocket when purchasing a gift. Corporations benefit off of consumers the most during the holiday season and keep many Americans working for them for longer.

Though celebrating a holiday with a dark history behind it and an unstable economy is not ideal for Americans, this week is about gratitude for loved ones.