Keeping Your Heart Thankful

By Sarah Hamaker

Quick, what’s the name of the November holiday that used to have it’s very own day? That’s right—Thanksgiving. These days, the fourth Thursday in November has gotten short shift, with Christmas decorations appearing in August in some stores and some retailers even opening their doors for shopping on Nov. 28.

But this is one holiday we shouldn’t push to the margins of our busy lives because it holds the key to enjoying the next season of Christmas. From its humble beginnings in Plymouth Colony in 1621, to President George Washington’s declaration of Thanksgiving in 1789, to President Abraham Lincoln’s establishment of it as a national holiday in 1863, Thanksgiving has been a time to honor family, God and country.

Here are some reasons why you and your family should take the time to recapture the essence of this day of thanks.

Contentment. Having a thankful heart for what you have, no matter how great or small, is the antidote to greed. Verbally saying what you’re thankful for has a way of easing the need for more stuff.

Family. Whatever your family looks like, having one to celebrate the good things in life is something for which to be thankful. Sure, sometimes relatives don’t behave as they ought to (and if they are truly toxic, you should stay away). But many times, we fail to extend the grace towards others that we expect to receive ourselves for our own foibles and mistakes. Trying to view family members more positively might be a good place to start.

Volunteer. Thanksgiving is a great time to serve those who have greater needs than you. Opportunities abound, such as adopting a family to provide a meal, donating canned goods to food pantries or serving a meal at a local outreach center. Volunteering with your family can also be a wonderful way to celebrate the day.

Slow down. Take time to truly celebrate Thanksgiving, rather than rushing through the turkey to get to the ballgame or the mall. This can be a time of refreshment and relaxation before the madness that consumes our December holiday season.

Above all, it would behoove us all to remember that even on our worst days, many of us have more than most people in the rest of the world. Keep that thought in mind as you celebrate Thanksgiving this month.

Coming in early 2014, Sarah and Mary Elizabeth Peritti will speak on Parenting With Love & Leadership in a four-part webinar series. Contact Sarah through her website for more information.

Do you have a parenting question you would like to see answered on this blog? Email Sarah with Parenting Question in the subject line. Sign up for Practical Parenting, Sarah’s a free, monthly e-newsletter with commonsense advice on child rearing, by visiting www.parentcoachnova.com and clicking on the newsletter tab.

Sarah Hamaker is a certified Leadership Parenting Coach™ through the Rosemond Leadership Parenting Coach Institute. She’s also a freelance writer and editor. Sarah lives in Fairfax, Va., with her husband and four children. Visit her online at www.parentcoachnova.com and follow her on Twitter @novaparentcoach.