President Abraham Lincoln officially made Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863, during the Civil War that threatened the very existence of the United States.

He wanted to unify the nation by encouraging Americans to count their blessings, give thanks and reflect on our shared national purpose.

A century and a half later, America is once again tearing apart from within. Political polarization is deepening, exacerbated by both parties framing each election as an existential fight for the country’s future.

Civil discourse — the ability to engage in respectful conversations with people we disagree with — seems like a thing of the past. The uptick in violence has left many of us increasingly and rightfully unsettled.

We know we’re treading on dangerous ground when harm toward others beco

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