Every year it seems that mall Christmas decorations go up earlier, the department stores make sure they play their holiday music {to subliminally remind people to start shopping}, and people seem to skip right over Thanksgiving.
Obviously Thanksgiving is not a commercial holiday, at least not as much as Christmas, Halloween, Easter and other holidays where people often end up spending way too much money. I guess that’s why businesses push for Christmas as soon as the last jack-o-lantern light has been squelched. Well, just because they are thinking that way, it does not mean that we, as a nation, need to buy into it.
I like Thanksgiving and consider it a huge part of the reason I love this time of year. DaddyB and I take great pride that our girls say prayers throughout the day and include things they are thankful for, especially during the month of November. Each day we make sure to talk with each other about what we are thankful for, who we love, and what we appreciate in our lives. Often times throughout the year we seem to get caught up in the busy-ness of our daily routines and we should be thankful all year-round, but if we can’t even be thankful when there is a holiday encouraging it, when can we be?
Please help me set an example to our children, to the entire nation, to be reminded of how much we as Americans take for granted but should be thankful for. No matter what your circumstances, someone in the world has it worse. What help is it focusing on the negative in our lives, when only positive will make the changes for us to enjoy life?
I strongly believe that God rewards those who are faithful and grateful for what He has done and know that not only is it important to recognize our blessings, but to make sure we give others something to be thankful for as well. One way to give thanks and understand how much we have is to help those who are not as fortunate. It’s also a great way to lead our children by example if we expect them to be good citizens.
If you don’t want to be saying, in a few years, “What ever happened to Thanksgiving,” perhaps now is the time we make the changes that will keep Thanksgiving a relevant and important holiday.
What are you thankful for? Here’s one of my answers:
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Very well written! I feel the same, and my family will join you in remembering to give thanks;)
Thanks Crissi, I am very happy to hear that!!
Good thing you don’t live in the Philippines or in Asia. Everything Christmas appears at the start of the “ber” months – meaning as early as September! But just like you, I’m very thankful of my family! And thankful having met you.
Maricris do they celebrate Thanksgiving in Asia? And thanks I am thankful for you as well my dear. xox
I agree! We never put Christmas decorations up until after Thanksgiving, and I can’t stand the radio stations starting with the holiday music the day after Halloween. I recently saw a picture circulating on FB, a notification posted in a Nordstrom store saying they won’t be decking their halls until after Thanksgiving. I wish more stores would think like that! Let’s enjoy and appreciate one holiday before we rush onto the next!
Alysia, that’s awesome about Nordstrom putting the sign up. I wish more stores would participate in that too but it must be hard when the competition is doing it. Thanks for being Thankful!
I am thankful for my family, friends, God’s mercy and YOU Jenn!!!
I agree and encourage all to not buy a single Christmas item until after Thanksgiving as if people buy the stuff early the stores will continue to put it out.
I absolutely agree. I am glad to not be alone in wanting to encourage Thankfulness. I am thankful for your help and support in blog land. I am awarding you the Sunshine award. Please find the details and collect your award at begintocraft.blogspot.com
I agree too! I just read an article that they are putting up the big Christmas tree in Lansing, MI THIS Friday! Way too early! I love Thanksgiving and love being able to cherish the things that I am thankful for without having to worry about Christmas. It is already stressful enough at Christmastime, LOL.
Laurie I completely agree, I think it’s just our nature to rush everything but there are certain times in life when we just need to enjoy the things around us. Thanks for your comment.
I just loved how you so eloquently worded this post, I was just thinking about how I needed to post a be thankful post, reminding me and my readers to accept, appreciate and be thankful, live, laugh, love, seriously we take life for granted, thank you for reminding me if what needs to be said and done! Follower from SheSpeaks Blogger Society!
Nice post! Beautiful family and really really cute kids!
Thanks Sahara, I think they’re pretty special