Happy Thanksgiving
Every year without fail as soon as Halloween is over I get downright giddy. I drive my husband crazy as I dance around the house singing, “It’s the holiday season…” I love so many things about this time of year: the vibrant colors of the falling leaves, the crisp chill in the air, and most of all the anticipation of my favorite holiday- Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is the perfect time to reflect on all of the things we have in our lives to be grateful for. Relationships with our loved ones are usually the things that we cherish most and honor least.It is easy to take for granted those we are surrounded by every day. Think about it, how often do you throw out an almost robotic, “thanks” or “I love you” to your partner? If you’re anything like me, at least ten times a day.Sure it’s better than saying nothing at all, but an “I love you” or a “thank you” that really comes from the heart means so much more to both the receiver and the giver.
I wanted to share with you a tradition I started a few years ago at our family Thanksgiving. I have written it as instructions so that you can play along too!
You will need:
* One sheet of paper for each person at your Thanksgiving table
* A writing implement (marker, pen, pencil, whatever)
Pass out a piece of paper and something to write with to each person at the table. Instruct them to write their name in the center of the paper. When they are done, have them pass the paper to their left. They now have someone else’s paper in front of them. Ask them to take a moment to think about what they love about the person whose name is on the paper in front of them. Then have them write what they appreciate about that person on the piece of paper. Have everyone continue to pass their paper clockwise, writing a note of thanks onto each person’s paper. By the time they get their own paper back it is filled with heartfelt words of appreciation. Giving and receiving in this way is what Thanksgiving is all about.
So here is what I want to add to the paper with your name on it….I am so grateful to you for having the courage to transform. My heart is full of gratitude that your light is shining in this world.
Peace, blessings and Happy Thanksgiving!
Tags: gratitude activity, Thanksgiving
November 25th, 2008 at 7:53 am
Hello, Rev. Laura! We still get comments about what a lovely ceremony we had for our March 2006 wedding! I enjoyed reading this post and hope to add this tradition to our family’s celebration this year. I had a friend in college who, amid some fighting in the group around Thanksgiving, wrote a very personal letter to each of us and slid it under our doors. I refer to that letter often when I’m feeling down. She wrote about my strengths and talents and the positive force I had been in her life. We should take more opportunities to share these thoughts with our loved ones.