Thanksgiving is a time to express gratitude for all the blessings in our lives. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of preparing for the holiday and forget to truly focus on gratitude. Plus, like any holiday, even Thanksgiving seems to be focused on consumerism these days, with sales and deals and over-the-top decor everywhere we turn.
So, how can we stay grounded in gratitude this Thanksgiving? Here are some tips to help you focus on what truly matters during this special time of year.
Remembering Why It All Began
Thanksgiving is a holiday with a rich history and tradition. It’s important to take a moment to remember its origins and why it’s celebrated. The Pilgrims first established Thanksgiving in 1621 as a way to give thanks for their bountiful harvest after enduring a harsh winter. They invited the Native Americans, who had helped them survive, to join in on the feast as an expression of gratitude and friendship.
Essentially, despite going through a horrendous winter and facing many challenges, the Pilgrims chose to focus on what they were grateful for rather than dwell on their hardships. This serves as a powerful reminder to us all that no matter what difficulties we may be going through; there is always something to be thankful for.
Starting Thanksgiving on a Grateful Foot
Before you jump into cooking or setting up decorations, take a few minutes to sit quietly and reflect on all the things you’re grateful for. This can set the tone for the rest of your day and help you stay mindful of gratitude.
Some people like to make a list or journal their thoughts, while others prefer to simply sit in silence and meditate. Choose a method that works best for you, but the key is to focus on the positive aspects of your life and express appreciation for them.
Once family or friends are around, you can also ask everyone to share one thing they’re grateful for or simply chat with them about what you’re grateful for. This is a great way to spread positive energy and make heartfelt connections.
Other Ways to Give Thanks Today
There are many ways to incorporate gratitude into your Thanksgiving celebration. Here are just a few ideas to add today:
- Volunteer at a local soup kitchen or charity organization. Giving back to those in need is an excellent way to express gratitude for all that we have.
- Write thank you notes, send a text, or make phone calls to people who have positively impacted your life. Expressing appreciation and spreading kindness is always a good idea.
- Create a gratitude jar or tree. Write down things you’re thankful for on small pieces of paper and add them to the jar or hang them on the tree. This can serve as a visual reminder of all the blessings in your life.
Ultimately, it’s not about material possessions or extravagant feasts; it’s about cultivating a grateful heart and spreading love and kindness. This Thanksgiving, let’s all make an effort to focus on gratitude and truly honor the spirit of this holiday. Happy Thanksgiving!
JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
