Thanksgiving Files Formal Complaint Against Christmas
BEDFORD COUNTY, PA — Thanksgiving has had enough.
Every year, it's the same story. Halloween decorations come down, Christmas trees go up, Mariah Carey starts singing, and Thanksgiving is left wondering what it did wrong.
Not this year. Not in Bedford County.
Discover Bedford County is launching “Thanksgiving: The Forgotten Holiday,” a campaign calling on everyone to stop skipping November and give Thanksgiving the attention it deserves.
“We're not anti-Christmas. We're just pro-November,” said Brooke Kelly, President of Discover Bedford County. “Thanksgiving has become the middle child of the holidays. Halloween gets all the excitement, Christmas gets all the attention, and Thanksgiving is left standing there holding a casserole.”
Bedford County Has Entered the Chat
Local business and community leaders have joined the movement, and they have some strong opinions about Thanksgiving's unfair treatment.
“Thanksgiving is when we should count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count! Christmas can wait its turn!” declared Melinda Feaster of Coldwell Banker Premier.
Matt Godissart of the Federated Library System is defending the holiday on culinary grounds.
“There’s only 1 holiday where I can eat everything my dietician normally makes me avoid the entire year. A big mound of mashed potatoes, Brussels sprouts, corn, and all the trimmings with turkey and gravy, while being surrounded by family? Best day ever.”
Luisa Stiles of Denny's is equally passionate.
“To me, Thanksgiving is all of it!!! Special food, family, no need to cook the next day (big one), and stretchy pants!! Plus, Tradition to show the next generation what is really important!! Having said that, Happy Thanksgiving.”
Kat Claar of From Blossoms appreciates the chance to make new memories.
“Thanksgiving is the best because it’s the perfect time to experiment with new traditions, see friends and family, and make and eat really delicious food.”
And Kay Dull of Bedford County Players reminds us what the holiday is really about.
“I choose to enjoy the simple pleasure of being together with family and friends, giving thanks for our many blessings.”
The verdict? Pass the gravy, not the garland.
Don't Be a Season Pusher
Discover Bedford County is inviting everyone to take the “Don't Skip November” pledge. Slow down. Enjoy fall. Make time for friends and family. Let the turkey have its day.
The campaign will feature a humorous social media series starring Bianca Nelson, an actual middle child who understands what it's like to be overlooked.
Followers are also encouraged to share their favorite Thanksgiving traditions and November adventures using #ThanksgivingIsBack and #DiscoverBedfordCounty, with a chance to win a locally inspired “Thanksgiving Reset Kit.”
No ornaments. No candy canes. Not a single jingle bell.
November Looks Pretty Good from Here
Bedford County offers plenty of reasons to embrace the season. Hike the H&BT Rail Trail or Shawnee State Park, explore the Tiltrock Loop, take a scenic drive past historic covered bridges, browse local shops, or settle into a cozy tavern for a meal.
No holiday countdowns. No rushing to the next thing. Just a little time to enjoy what's right in front of us.
“Somewhere along the way, we started treating November like a waiting room for December,” Kelly added. “We're reminding people that there's a whole lot of worth celebrating before Christmas arrives.”
Thanksgiving Wants Your Two Cents
Think Thanksgiving deserves better? Discover Bedford County wants to hear from you.
Send your funniest, most passionate quote defending Thanksgiving. Why should it get its month back? What tradition is worth protecting? And what would you say to someone putting up Christmas decorations before the turkey has even thawed?
Selected responses may be featured throughout the campaign.
And to Christmas, one final message:
We love you. We really do.
But you've got December.
Let Thanksgiving have November.
Follow Discover Bedford County on social media or visit discoverbedfordcounty.com to join the movement.
Media Contact:
Brooke Kelly
President, Discover Bedford County
