Giving Thanks in Watertown, MA: A Community Reflection
A Thanksgiving History Rooted in Massachusetts
Thanksgiving is deeply woven into the fabric of Massachusetts, and that heritage resonates here in Watertown, MA. The holiday’s origins reflect the colonial history of New England — settlers and Native American tribes coming together to celebrate survival, harvest, and gratitude.
Watertown itself is one of the earliest settlements in the Massachusetts Bay Colony, founded in 1630. Its early Puritan community carried traditions of “days of thanksgiving,” rooted in religious observance, giving thanks publicly in times of blessing — and sometimes fasting.
Why Thanksgiving Matters in the Watertown Community
Celebrating Shared History
Watertown has played pivotal roles in American history. During the Revolutionary War, its town meeting system embodied early democratic practices, and for a time, Watertown served as a provisional capital.
This deep legacy reinforces a sense of place and belonging. When we celebrate Thanksgiving in Watertown, it's not just about turkey — it's about community resilience and history.
Cultural Diversity and Collective Gratitude
Today, Watertown is a diverse, urban-suburban city. Around 30% of residents speak a language other than English at home. The community’s modern identity includes a strong Armenian and immigrant presence, weaving new traditions and stories into the town’s history.
Thanksgiving becomes a natural space for gratitude across cultures — a time for different backgrounds to pause, reflect, and connect in meaningful ways.
Community Spaces That Bring Us Together
Important local institutions, like the Mosesian Center for the Arts, serve as gathering points. These communal venues support not only art and performance but also intergenerational bonding — making Thanksgiving not just a family holiday, but a civic one.
The Impact on the New Generation
For younger residents of Watertown, Thanksgiving is more than a meal — it’s a way to understand their community, history, and civic responsibility.
Learning Local History: Young residents develop pride in Watertown’s colonial and revolutionary past, learning that streets and public spaces were once home to town meetings, industrial growth, and civic leadership.
Fostering Community Bonds: Gathering with family and neighbors helps young people see the value of community in action.
Encouraging Civic Engagement: Reflecting on Watertown’s past inspires younger generations to volunteer, support local causes, or patronize trusted local businesses.
Embracing Cultural Diversity: Thanksgiving celebrates both historical roots and the rich traditions of immigrant families in Watertown.
Why We at Markarian Electric & Markarian Alarms Give Thanks
We’re deeply thankful for the Watertown community — every home we power and protect is part of our shared story.
As a local business, we’re committed not just to serving homes and businesses — but to becoming part of the community fabric. During Thanksgiving, we reflect on what it means to be more than a service provider: to be a trusted partner in people’s lives in a town with its own unique legacy.
Looking Forward: A Thanksgiving for Tomorrow
As we gather this Thanksgiving, let’s not only give thanks for our blessings — let’s invest in the future of Watertown:
Mentor younger members of the community
Volunteer at local nonprofits or community centers
Support and uplift local historic institutions
Foster conversations about heritage, gratitude, and what being “community” truly means
By doing so, we make this holiday more than tradition — we make it a living, breathing expression of Watertown’s past, present, and future.
Our Message of Thanks
Thank you for trusting us throughout the year to keep your homes safe, powered, and protected—it’s a responsibility we hold with pride and appreciation. Your support allows us to continue doing what we love, and we’re truly grateful for the relationships we’ve built along the way.
From the Markarian Electric and Markarian Alarms family to yours, may your Thanksgiving be filled with warmth, togetherness, comfort, and peace of mind. Wishing you a holiday surrounded by the people and moments that matter most.
Connect with Us
As we give thanks this season, let us continue building a safe, powered, and thriving Watertown community.
Contact Markarian Electric & Markarian Alarms today to learn how we can help protect and power your home or business, now and throughout the year.
Visit us at www.markarianelectric.com or call (617) 393-9700 to schedule a consultation.