Thanksgiving is really the most wonderful holiday of the year, we just need to arrive hungry and thankful and we get to leave with a full belly; but for some of us it is more like the beginning of a month long season of holiday purgatory that thankfully ends around January 2nd of the new year!
Thanksgiving, mmmmmmm, here in the Midwest it might be turkey and stuffing (you say dressing - we say stuffing), mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, cranberry sauce, Lefse if your Norwegian - buns if you're not, pumpkin pie, relatives and all that. Thanksgiving is about food, family and friends, love and being thankful to God for what we have.
The first thing many people think about when they think of Thanksgiving is food, since we all love food, this turns out to be the primary motivational factor for our making an appearance at the annual event. The second thing people often think about is family; the response to this thought is either one of joy and thankfulness, or one of dread.
So, since this an article about 'How to have a Happy Thanksgiving anyway', here are a few tips for doing just that.
- Respect: Allow people to be who they are; even when they don't do life right, or they don't extend the same courtesy back.
- The Golden Rule: Treat others as we would like to be treated. Be kind, even if they're not. Harmony and peace begins in our own minds. Be amicable, warm-hearted and friendly towards others, ask what they've been up to lately, people love to talk about themselves. Resist the temptation to offer advice unless it's asked for.
- Thankfulness: Implement the practice of going around the table asking each person to name something they are thankful for. Each person starts by saying 'I am thankful for....'. Let the kids chime in too, even if they're only thankful for staying up late, for pie, or for a new toy. This practice helps us all remember why we're celebrating and in a way it's a prayer of thanksgiving to God. It's also a good substitute if family members are uncomfortable with formal prayers. End with a formal prayer of your choosing or just say something like "I'm thankful for all of you too, and now let the feast begin!"
- Releasing Anger and Resentment: It's important to let go of any anger or resentment you may be harboring toward someone; do not allow anyone to have this much power over you. Your thoughts really do create your world - as we think in our hearts, so we are. If we think negative thoughts, we will probably have a negative experience. If we know we're in the wrong on something, we will need to make some corrections. Sometimes we don't self-correct because we're consciously or sub-consciously seeking revenge toward someone who has wronged us in the past. We need to ask ourselves - who is really suffering here? Let it go.
- Fun & Participation: Participate in the activities of the day: Food preparation, table setting, playing with the kids, walking the dog, get into the game, do the dishes, help clean up. Food preparation is an important part of the family bonding process and when we see how much planning and effort goes into a holiday meal, we naturally become more grateful toward others.
- Thankful Habits: Enter into every thought, word and action with a spirit of thankfulness.
All you need is love - all they need is love. Peace and goodwill toward you and toward all.
For more tips on life, religion and spirituality - join me on Twitter
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family
and here's to the beginning of a more meaningful and joyful holiday season!
