Gee, Thanks - M's Gems

By: Melissa Goldberg

Family Meal

Itʼs Thanksgiving Day and I feel blessed. I have a wonderful family and food on the table. This year seemed to hold a whirl wind of events some good news and some bad news, but arenʼt they all like that? I love that Thanksgiving Day falls at the end of the year. I donʼt know if itʼs because I was born during the fall season, but there is something very warm and cozy about Autumn. Sweaters, boots, the first cup of hot chocolate for the season, brisk walks while hearing the crunching leaves or sitting by a warm fire in the fireplace.

This morning on our way to Grandma and Grandpaʼs house, we asked the kids what they were thankful for. Kids have got it right, they are thankful for both the big things and the little things in life. My son was thankful for his mommy who makes yummy food and his daddy for being awesome. He was thankful for trees, because when he breathes out air, it makes oxygen (yes, we were a bit blown away by that one, but I love it). My daughter said she was thankful for all the people in her family that she loves and who love her and she was thankful for water (clearly they discussed this whole “thankful thing” in school). My little cookie was thankful for iCarly - I love an honest kid. I am thankful for my family, my friends, my house, my health and for the simple things in life like peppermint mochas from Starbucks.

If a fellow isnʼt thankful for what heʼs got, he isnʼt likely to be thankful for what heʼs going to get ~ Frank A. Clark

Why a Feast? - The American tradition of having a Thanksgiving feast comes from the first “harvest feast” in 1621. It took place a year after the pilgrims arrived at plymouth Massachusetts. With the help of the Wampanoag Indians, the pilgrims were able to survive their first year in the new country. They were taught to hunt and cultivate the land. They saved the pilgrims from starvation and after the big harvest they had a feast to offer thanks. So, if your feast doesnʼt start with a traditional prayer of thanks be sure to look around the table and remember you are very fortunate to be sitting at a table full of delicious food.

Where did your Feast Come From? - Make sure you thank who ever put such hard work into making a wonderful feast (even if itʼs the man behind the catering counter)! I have made dinners for friends and family and the amount of love and energy and not to mention stress that goes into preparing a big meal is huge.

Be Thankful for Those Who are Sitting With You - Some folks donʼt have family nearby to spend the holiday with and if you are sitting with another family or group of friends, you are loved and received as a special guest.

Check in on Folks you Know had a Rough Year - Thanksgiving can be difficult for some if they have had a hard year. If theyʼve lost a job, been through some of lifeʼs stresses, been unhealthy or lost a family member, the holidays may be quite painful. Make sure you check in on them and let them know you are thinking about them and are here if they need anything.

Be Thankful on a Regular Basis - Thanksgiving is not the only time to recognize what we are thankful for but to express thanks to others. If someone does something special for you, even if itʼs a small thing, make sure you let them know. Say "hey, thanks!" I prefer a handwritten note card. Yes, I'm old school. There still is nothing better than a small handwritten note from a friend saying "thank you" in your pile of mail.

Count your Blessings - This is a tough one. If you practice seeing the silver lining around each dark cloud, you will feel a bit better. You can still be upset and worried over the dark cloud, but if there is any silver lining, then it could be worse. My youngest has her health problems but I count my blessing everyday. She has her mind and spirit. She can walk and talk and play and she has her siblings to protect her. She has a disability and not a disease. We are Blessed.

Wishing everyone a happy and healthy Thanksgiving Holiday and to those who are brave enough to battle Black Friday shopping... go forth and prosper.

~ Mʼs gems