Happy Thanksgiving

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Holidays gather people together.  Thanksgiving is no exception, but it is unusual in that the focus is on gratitude.  

Apples to apples comparisons are impossible when deciding which holiday ranks number one, so I'll save you the trouble.  Thanksgiving is the best because it isn't about me it's about we.

People need people, but we are often impatient with our fellow man or woman... especially those to whom we're related.  Be patient today and throughout the weekend.

Pass potatoes with a smile.  Give real thanks, for each other; the time you spend together; and your abundant blessings.  

You are hopefully more normal this year thanks to vaccines developed to fight Covid-19.  It remains deadly, so be thankful for precautions and personal protective equipment that reduce the chance of getting sick or unknowingly spreading the illness. 

Thanksgiving is an important holiday because we need to give thanks.  We can't do it ourselves.  First of all, we need to give thanks to God.  We need to thank our parents, our spouse, our family, and our friends.  

Honor a family tradition.  If it is having "Mossner" salad; ringing a bell to announce dinner; or gathering in the family room to watch a movie... do it! 

Agree to start a new tradition, allow the kids' table to get something before the grown-ups get their turn.  

Notice your neighbors, is anyone alone that might join you or is there someone you know would love a nice hot plate of Thanksgiving dinner... then invite them or make a delivery.

Kindness should be part of Thanksgiving then carry into Black Friday so when tempers flash over a coveted toy or video game, your kindness will lower the temperature.

Show and tell about Thanksgivings from your childhood... what was your favorite part of the day; what did you like most about dinner; and what didn't you like?

Grab a can of potato sticks (shoestring potatoes) to mix with leftover turkey to create an amazing turkey sandwich with a nice crunch.  

Include God in your Thanksgiving dinner, join in a table prayer or ask someone to offer a  thanksgiving prayer.  If the table is willing, try a 'popcorn' prayer with each person getting an opportunity to share their own thank you.

Variety can spice up the holiday.  If you have too many traditions; try a different approach to the menu or take a walk before the tryptophan kicks in.

I will give to the Lord the thanks due to His righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High. (Psalm 7:17)

Not every family is able to celebrate together in 2021 due to Covid-19 or because of the political division that split families into pro-vaccine and anti-vax camps.  It's dangerous and potentially deadly, especially for those who haven't been inoculated.  It's difficult to image many mixed vaccine families gathering around the same table this year. 

Good food, good friends, and family are the prime ingredients for a joyous holiday.  I hope the day is one more thing on the list of things for which you are thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving!