When you think about it, it’s somewhat odd to choose one particular day of the year to express thankfulness. An alien landing in modern America would wonder why we set aside an annual holiday based on solely on gratitude, rather than the usual celebrations over a key battle, national independence, religious event or celestial phenomenon. Yet we spend the fourth Thursday of November each year stuffing our faces with traditional delicacies, watching football and making a point of finding satisfaction in our imperfect lives.