Celebrating the Holiday Season
Life is not always easy. We all have so many responsibilities between family commitments, work obligations, social obligations and so much more. With the hustle and bustle of everyday life getting the best of us, it is not often that people stop and take the time to reflect upon what and whom they are most thankful for in their lives. The Thanksgiving season is our yearly reminder that giving thanks for all that you love in your life is an important and life affirming practice that each one of us should participate. Thanksgiving Day certainly should not be the only time that you stop to give thanks. However, it is an excellent day to start.
Host Your Thanksgiving Meal
Thanksgiving is most known for its traditional celebration of families and friends gathering together to enjoy a delicious meal. A wonderful way that you can give thanks to the people in your life is by offering to host this year’s Thanksgiving celebration. Say thank you by donating your time and money toward crafting a huge meal of turkey, potatoes, pumpkin pie, and any of your other favorite Thanksgiving foods. Hosting Thanksgiving is a huge responsibility and stepping up to the plate to give your loved ones a wonderful holiday will show them just how much you appreciate their presence in your life.
Make Sure to Say What You Are Thankful For
Thanksgiving dinner should also be about more than just the food on everyone’s plates. Before you take a bite into your meal, you should stop and take a moment to think about what you are thankful for. An excellent way for you and your loved ones to make sure you give thanks before indulging is to go around the table, each person stating something or someone in their life that they are thankful for. Giving thanks for even the smallest victories in your life can be an excellent way to stay positive and find happiness.
Donate Time, Goods, or Money to a Good Cause
Your Thanksgiving does not have to be limited to touching the lives of your close friends and family. You can also reach out to complete strangers and try to create a positive holiday experience for them. There is really no better way to give thanks to the people that have helped you than by reaching out to others and offering the same support, even those that you do not know. Your local food banks and homeless shelters are always in need of donations and volunteers. Why not use your Thanksgiving holiday to go out and make a difference in someone else’s life? Even if you cannot volunteer your time, charities and organizations on both the local and national level will always appreciate a generous donation. Remember that Thanksgiving is not giving thanks. It’s also about doing something that someone else will be thankful for.
Spread the Thanks to Everyone
Lastly, do not forget all of the people in your life that help you everyday outside of your close circle of family and friends. Your coworkers, bosses, friendly acquaintances, even the barista that pours your coffee every morning would all appreciate a nice note of thanks. Reach out with personalized cards or messages to thank everyone you possibly can. After all, there is no such thing as spreading too much cheer.
Do not let this Thanksgiving pass without giving some real thought as to what the holiday is all about. Make sure that you show your loved ones, family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers just how much there is to be thankful for in this world. When you give the proper thanks for all that you have this holiday season, your holiday will be one of the best you’ve ever had. You will spread joy not just around your table, but around the world as well.
Image Credit: freedigitalphotos.net/Stuart Miles