Embracing Family and Thankfulness on Thanksgiving
As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves transform into a vibrant tapestry of colors, families across the United States prepare for our time-honored tradition – Thanksgiving. Beyond the delectable feasts and football games, this cherished holiday serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of family and the timeless virtue of gratitude.
The Heart of Thanksgiving – Our Family Bonds
Thanksgiving is synonymous with family reunions and shared moments of joy. Whether it’s the gathering of immediate family or a reunion of extended relatives and friends, this holiday offers an opportunity to strengthen our bonds. Thanksgiving provides a precious pause to reconnect with each other, while creating new and lasting memories.
A Feast of Gratitude – The Importance of Being Thankful
At the core of Thanksgiving lies the profound act of expressing our gratitude. I’m extremely grateful for the love of my family and friends. I’m thankful for the blessings that God has bestowed upon us. Life is filled with abundance. Abundance isn’t measured in money or material items. The things of this world are temporary. True abundance is measured by the amount of love you have surrounding you. It’s also measured by the amount of love and kindness you give back. It’s being thankful for the opportunity to live life and experience the joys and challenges of each new day. An abundance of life experiences are a blessing for which we all must be grateful. Having a grateful heart, no matter how little or how much you have, is the key to true Joy. Being content in life means embracing each moment for what it is; a true blessing.
Traditions That Bind – Creating Lasting Memories
I have very fond memories of childhood and our Thanksgiving gatherings back in Philly. Mom and Dad worked so hard to prepare a feast for our entire family. Cousins, Aunts and Uncles all gathered together to celebrate at our home. These traditions were an important part of my upbringing. They brought family together for one common purpose; to express thanks for each other and for all that we had. Being from an Italian family, food and music were a big part of our gatherings.
We would eat a wonderful feast prepared by my mom and then afterward, we would enjoy the wonderful Italian cookies and pastries made by our Grandmother, Aunt Jo and our mom. Kiffles with strawberry or apricot preserves, cinnamon pinwheels, taralli, biscotti, chocolate chip cookies, apple pie, pumpkin pie, filberts, walnuts, and a slew of other treats, just to name a few. And then, we would gather to sing Christmas carols. It was a magical time that I’ll always cherish.
The True Essence of Thanksgiving
In essence, Thanksgiving is a celebration that transcends the delicious meals and football rivalries. It’s a time to honor and strengthen family ties, foster a culture of gratitude, and create traditions that withstand the test of time. So, as we gather around the table, let us not only savor the flavors of the season but also appreciate the richness that family and thankfulness bring to our lives. I know I will!
Happy Thanksgiving and Much Love to All!!
~ Michael (SIRIS)