How to Enjoy the Real Meaning of Thanksgiving

Each day we are bombarded with one bad news report after another. Some news reports are of man made disasters and crimes, and others are natural disasters worldwide. When we are not thinking of the problems in our country and around the world, our human nature frequently leads us to concentrate on the negative things in our work and home lives. Thanksgiving is one day of the year that we can set aside to focus on what is good in our lives. There are always things we can and should be thankful for, but there are times we need to stand back from our busy lives to recognize them.

PLAN YOUR THANKSGIVING MEAL AHEAD OF TIME:

Make all meal plans a few weeks ahead of time. Will you be cooking at home? The final menu will need to be decided on. Who will be coming? Can you ask some of your guests cooking duties to help out? Make a final shopping list and don't wait until the last minute to grocery shop. Not only will the grocery store be extremely busy, but they may be out of a common ingredient that you will need. Going to a friend or family members home? What time will you need to be there and will you need to bring something to help out? Maybe your family tradition is to go to a favorite restaurant. You will need to make the necessary reservations, once a time is decided upon. Any planning that can be done ahead of time will make Thanksgiving Day run smoother.

ON THANKSGIVING DAY:

Now that you have made your holiday plans ahead of time, your day will run smoother. As you enjoy your holiday traditions and the company of your friends and family, think of all the things you are thankful for. If you have family and friends to spend time with, be thankful. If your friends and family are healthy, be thankful. If you have a job, be thankful. If you have have a roof over your head, be thankful. There is so much we can be thankful for. Take time during the day to share your feelings with those you care about and ask them to share what they are thankful for also.

CONTINUE YOUR THANKFUL ATTITUDE:

After Thanksgiving Day is over, we don't have to forget our thankful attitude. Each day of the year we need to take time to remind ourselves of what we are thankful for.