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| Digital Art by Simon Howden - Thanks! |
Thanksgiving is an opportunity to spend time with family and friends, to join together in making that perfect meal with old favorites and new experiments. We make grocery lists, shop for ingredients, get out the nice linen and good china, set a beautiful table, and organize the meal from carving time backward. It all comes together mid-afternoon and, at least in our household, something is always left in the oven (usually the rolls)!
Thanksgiving is a great holiday because it is all about sharing a meal and enjoying each other's company (whether you are seated at the "adults' table" or the "kids' table"). Thanksgiving would not be complete in our household without football games on television during the day and White Christmas on television in the evening.
This year, in addition to any traditions your family already enjoys, I would like to suggest three more:
- Express your gratitude to our military this Thanksgiving ~ both our active duty service personnel and their families who serve right along with them. One percent of our population is shouldering the responsibility for the other ninety-nine percent of us who have not been directly affected by The Iraq War (2003-current) and the War in Afghanistan (2001-current) . Let us express our gratitude to these hardworking families who provide us with the safety and security to live our lives not only with words but also with deeds.
- We all have people in our lives who have served as role models and for whom we are grateful. This Thanksgiving ~ take some time to listen to and record the stories of your parents, aunts & uncles, and grandparents. Friday, November 25th is StoryCorps third annual National Day of Listening ~ why not start early and express your gratitude to those people who have touched your life in a personal way.
- Share your material bounty with others this Thanksgiving ~ consider making an after Thanksgiving donation to your favorite charity or local food pantry. The poverty level continues to increase (the US poverty rate rose to 15.1%, the highest since 1983 ~ that is about 46.2 million people). It is important to remember we are all part of a community and we need to share our material bounty with others.
Check out these links to find out more about sharing your gratitude:
(Be sure to investigate any charities you are considering and give/share wisely ~ Charity Watch rates over 500 charities and is a starting point for doing your homework in this regard.)
Food for Thought on Thanksgiving Day
Question ~ Who was your favorite teacher and why?
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| www.nationaldayoflistening.org |
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