Thanksgiving is subversive, because if I can be thankful, right where I am, then I don't need to buy into the myths of consumerism and consumption which drive our society. Those words turn our society and most of its values right onto their head. Thanksgiving means being present where we are. It means rejoicing where we are. It means welcoming the power of God and the love of God where we are.
Thanksgiving is the first step towards simplicity.
Thanksgiving is also a powerful tool against anxiety . People today are too anxious. We worry about so many things. And thanksgiving helps us to tame anxiety, and bring it under control. I think that it would also be fair to say, that thanksgiving drives out anxiety.