BY BRONWYN ISON
Millions of people will gather together to share laughter, reminisce, and make new memories all in celebration of Thanksgiving Day. The famous Macy’s Day parade will broadcast in the early hours followed by football games. Naturally, we must not forgo pleasing our palates. Tantalizing treats and the aroma of Turkey roasting all morning is what so many of us wait for. Yet we should not forget, it is a day to reflect on what we are thankful for and why we give thanks.
In the United States, Thanksgiving Day is celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of “Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.”
Commonly referred to as the “First Thanksgiving,” was celebrated by the Pilgrims after the first harvest in the New World in 1621. The feast lasted three days. Pilgrims and Indians gathered to celebrate and thank God. Their prayers were for such things as a military victory and the end of the drought.
Thanksgiving brings families together and it is a time of celebration. What might you and your family discuss over the holidays? Possibly you would like to converse about what you are thankful for and why. It can be an amusing yet gratifying way to keep the family engaged as well as render the holiday light and fun. Adopt a few of these ideas and make more memories with your friends and family.
What time of the year are you most thankful for… Summer, Spring, Fall or Winter?
Which challenging life experience are you thankful for and why?
What book are you thankful for?
What style of music do you appreciate?
Who besides your family has made an impact on your life? A teacher, a friend, etc.
What brings you joy each day that you are thankful for?
What can you not imagine living without?
What form of art do you appreciate?
Which foods do you enjoy?
What from the past year are you most thankful for?
What in your entire life are you thankful for?
Consider other questions and how they may pertain to your family. Get the kids involved and ask them questions. It can be a fun game. Plus, their responses will create laughter and lasting memories.
We reflect on thankfulness at this time of year. Truly we should remember to be thankful every day of the year. Count our blessings and realize each day is a gift.
