Whether or not we practice a faith tradition, Thanksgiving is a sacred day that invites us to express gratitude to our loved ones and for our country. Sadly, however, it seems to be going the way of Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veteran's Day and other American civic holidays. The day off is becoming just another excuse to shop. Black Friday is turning into Black Thursday as stores that once opened early on Friday are increasingly opening on Thursday. In this scenario, Thanksgiving is less a time to reflect on the blessings we, as Americans enjoy, and more about powering up for running through the mall.

We would do well to understand the origin and intent of this national holiday.

With a deep appreciation of the Hebrew Bible, it is likely that the original Pilgrims who landed at Plymouth Rock modeled their celebration on the Bible's harvest festival known in Hebrew as Sukkot and in English as the Feast of Tabernacles. It was a time for farmers to count the blessings of their harvest and to recall their people's history wandering in the desert and settling the Promised Land. It was a time of rejoicing for everyone in the community — families, workers and those in need of special support, such as the orphans, widows and poor.

Today, a handful of "family friendly" companies have decided on principle to remain closed on Thanksgiving for the benefit of their workers. But it is not just employees who need Thanksgiving. George Washington, in his 1789 decree establishing the holiday, called for a day to acknowledge with grateful hearts the many blessings we have been afforded, chief among them the opportunity to establish a form of government for our safety and happiness.

This day remains no less vital in our own time. In a world full of war, turmoil and corruption, in our own country increasingly divided by politics, race and economics, we cannot afford to trade blessings for bargains. For when we do, indifference takes root.

The loss of Thanksgiving threatens to eat away at the soul of America. It deprives us of one of the last hours we ritually set aside to celebrate America — not by politicians making speeches or laying wreaths, but by grandpas carving a turkey and grandmas serving pie while telling their grandchildren how their family came to these shores and what they love and value about this great country.

I am not so naive to think that this Norman Rockwell picture portrays the Thanksgiving of all Americans. We don't all have family. We don't all have food. Some live lives that feel more cursed than blessed. Others do not enjoy the full freedoms America promises. But that is all the more reason why this day, in its true essence, is so desperately necessary. On it, we count our blessings, measure our shortcomings and ensure that we do not take this "land of the pilgrim's pride" for granted.

As Americans, we need days to celebrate our independence, to memorialize our dead, to honor our veterans and our workforce, and to recall those who fought for racial equality. We need to take back our national holidays not just as days off from work and not simply as an excuse for shopping, but for strengthening our neighborhoods, for learning our history, for guarding our values.

Recognizing that our economy also needs strengthening, I hope for a profitable holiday shopping season. But we are more than our GDP, and economic indicators are not the sole measure of our blessings. For no matter the sales, we will find ourselves as a nation much poorer if we lose this day of thanks.

Buying holiday presents for family and friends is an act of love and generosity. But when we take a day to pause and reflect, we find that the greatest gift we can give others and give America is our appreciation.

Rabbi Alexander Davis lives in St. Louis Park.