The clock on the dashboard of my car glowed 4:00 a.m. I was on my way to the television station to anchor the morning news. As I made my way through the winding hills of the neighborhood, I noticed that the kitchen lights were already on in many of the homes. I smiled.
This was Thanksgiving!
The day that begins with mom, or dad, moving quietly into the kitchen, where there’s a turkey to stuff and potatoes to peel. The day that begins when the aromas of coffee and cinnamon rolls begin to make their way out of the kitchen and up the stairs where sleepy family members roll over, open their eyes and smile. The day when many moms and dads have full hearts because everyone in the family is under one roof for the first time in a long time. And they give thanks. Because…
This is Thanksgiving!
The day when the intoxicating concoction of family, friends, and feasting intersect at the dining room table. A day when family and friends melt as easily into one mixture as the butter melts into the mashed potatoes. A day when we can come together to share a meal, and memories, and merriment. A day for feasting and football and a fire in the fireplace!
This is Thanksgiving!
It is a day to remember and give thanks for the people who gather at our table and to give thanks for those who will not be with us this year. It is a day to reach out to someone who doesn’t have a place at any table this holiday… and make a place for them at ours. It is a day to think less about our differences and more about what binds us together. It is a day to be unified before the madness of the Christmas holidays sends us scattering in so many different directions. It is a day that is about people instead of presents. It is a day to focus on relationships instead of the rat-race.
This is Thanksgiving!
No matter what Thanksgiving looks like at your house this year, make yourself a promise to wrap it in love and laughter. Recall these and other reasons that you love Thanksgiving! Savor every moment… even the ones that involve lumpy gravy and burned yeast rolls! Even the moments when you are missing someone and trying very hard not to cry because they aren’t there. Try not to think about what you don’t have. Be thankful for what you do have. Look every person in the eye and tell them why you are thankful that they are at your table… and in your life. Then, raise a glass and make a toast to the best holiday of the year, because…
This is Thanksgiving!
