How To Make The Most Of Thanksgiving

Traditionally we as Americans have taken to watching some football, stuffing our birds, stuffing our faces, on this special American Holiday. We eat, chat, laugh and then eat some more. We lounge around the house, visit with family and friends, eat and eat some more. We cook fancy food, we share favorite recipes, we sometimes go to church, go to Grandma's, go to the store for whatever we forgot....and so often, too often, we forgot the most important thing about the traditional meaning of this over indulging day.

Let us give thanks. This year I was thinking that it would be real nice if everyone could do something real special for our wonderful day of Thanksgiving. I know that we try to do good for the most part. I feel like people are good by nature. It is instinct and natural born so I am not here to tell anyone how bad they are. The purpose I impose here is in trying to make your Thanksgiving even more special than it normally is. Thanksgiving is what the holiday means.

There are gifts and then there are those extra special gifts. Those are the ones that have no strings attached. They are the ones that last a lifetime and are cherished by most. I am thinking of gifts that cost nothing. The ones you give when you smile or say something uplifting. Lend a helping hand or extend a hand to hold. The little gifts that often mean so much more than ever is known.

Showing kindness to the less fortunate, just saying "hello" to a stranger at the grocery store. It doesn't take much. It cost no more than a few muscular reactions, a smile takes hardly any energy at all. The thing is it will make someone feel good, maybe even special. The gift you give comes back to you too. It might not come back as a smile from the person you just flashed those bright white teeth at. Somebody you smile at might feel so down and out that they glare at you. The magic is in the feeling you will get for your offer. Truth is when you are nice to people for no intended reason it makes YOU feel good.

So you say this year sucks, you lost your job, the cat got ran over by a car, your unemployment is going to run out.....Times might be hard. Believe me I have had my share of all the down side of life over the past year. And I have done my share of moaning about it even if only a few folks have had to listen.

This Thanksgiving make a day of it. Savor the moment you eat that nice meal. I don't care if it is a Swanson Turkey TV Dinner. Enjoy what you have. Count your blessings. If you think you don't have any blessings take a good look around yourself. Be thankful the sun is shining. If it is raining then be thankful the water supply in your world is being replenished. If you are stuck at home watching TV because nobody invited you over for a great big feast, be happy you have a TV. You say you don't have one either. Well go outside and listen to the wind blow. Pay attention to the beautiful music Mother Nature is offering you through the sound of the wind.

Everyone has at least one thing they can be Thanksgiving for. Just having the ability to think about it is cause enough. You have the ability to think so think positive, think Thanksgiving.