How to Keep the “Thanks” in Thanksgiving
Aptly named, the Thanksgiving holiday is all about giving thanks. But how do you keep the thanks in this 
very special holiday when stress seems to be the theme of the day? Read on for some ideas …
Thanksgiving is about so much more than turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie. It is about family, friends and the heartfelt love and appreciation for the precious life you have. To make it as meaningful as possible this year and every year to come, make sure you take the time to teach your children what the holiday is all about. Discuss the history of it and if you can find a book on the holiday, then read it to them in preparation for the special day.
Encourage your children’s enthusiasm and appreciation for the holiday by letting them help you in small ways. Let them draw and color pictures and put them up for everyone to see. Let them help with decorations and setting the table for the holiday feast.
Let your children fold napkins and make place setting cards for everyone who will be in attendance. Let them know that their contribution is important and that they are doing an excellent job. Seeing the beaming look of pride in their eyes helps make the day even more thankful.
Create a Thanksgiving poem to read before the Thanksgiving meal. Ask everyone to give thanks for the many blessings they have been given. We are all thankful for our family and friends, our health, and our jobs but what about all of the other things? Dig deep and you will come up with an abundance of blessings that are sometimes not acknowledged on a regular basis.
-What about being thankful for the seasons, and the weather and the predictability of the passage of time?
-What about being thankful that you have made it to the point in your life where you are now? (You have earned every moment you have spent on the Earth after all. Celebrate it!)
-What about being thankful for your talents, your skills and the fact that every new day is a flower just waiting to blossom?
-How about being thankful for the lessons you have learned and the miles you have trod in this life?
Remember your many Thanksgiving blessings, and keep them with you every day. End your holiday with a relaxing walk and a smile of acknowledgement to the universe. This is how to keep the thanks in such a special holiday!
