Take Time for Thanksgiving
“Happy Hallowthanksmas!” Have you heard that one yet?
Right after Halloween (and sometimes even before) our retailers would have us begin focusing on Christmas. They want us to start loosening up our wallets now. “No time to lose. Shop early and often.” I suppose that’s understandable, especially in light of the poor economic times, when the next month might make or break them, or so we are told.
I love Christmas and what it truly stands for. But I often think it’s a shame that, in our rush to get to it, we tend to overlook Thanksgiving, which deserves to be valued for its own sake, not just as a warm-up act for Santa Clause. Of course, not everyone is glossing over Thanksgiving. In fact, I’ve been encouraged to see one friend making daily entries on Facebook about things she’s thankful for – a valuable exercise. Then recently I heard a report on the news that thankfulness leads to contentment and happiness.
An interval of meditation, serious and grateful, was the best corrective of everything dangerous in such high-wrought felicity; and she went to her room, and grew steadfast and fearless in the thankfulness of her enjoyment. (Persuasion, chapter 23)
I’m as guilty as anyone of the bad habit of dwelling on what’s not going right in my world, when the truth is that every day I wake up breathing is a day I should be grateful for. I have a God, a husband, and a family, who all love me. I have a roof over my head and food in the cupboard. I’m in reasonably good health, and I have worthwhile things to occupy my time. What more could I ask for?
Okay, so I could ask that my books become wildly successful or that I win the lottery. But should I put off being happy until fame and fortune arrive? That could be a while, and I don’t want to wait. I think I’ll start right now instead.
A reader board at a church I pass frequently put it this way: “GET RICH QUICK! COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS.”
So, Happy Thanksgiving! And I hope you discover that you have many good things – large and small – to be thankful for this year.
Shannon Winslow
Shannon Winslow was minding her own business - raising a family and working at a practical job - when Jane Austen changed her life. Suddenly smitten by all things Austen (and "Pride and Prejudice" in particular), she was inspired to write a sequel to her favorite book. With the success of her first novel, "The Darcys of Pemberley," she never looked back. Now pursuing writing full-time, Winslow has gone on to write two more Austenesque novels with more stories to come. She lives with her husband south of Seattle.
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I agree with you, I think we overlook Thanksgiving, sitting around that table with your loved ones sharing together. I see all the signs of shopping and think every year how someone is hurt over a toy, video game to get that deal. Stores have even put deals on Thanksgiving. I feel for the workers who have to work it. This year I am stepping back alittle and not buying that much with 5 children we are presurred to by this and that. My kids understand Christmas is about Christ and I love that! This Thanksgiving I am thankful that my husband has a job, he works hard for us, I have 5 beautiful children that love hugs and that I have a home. 2 Nights ago with all of us in the car we bought a turkey drove over to a neighbor we just met but knew they were struggling put the turkey in a box and rang the bell and ran!! My kids watched as me and my husband ran back to the car and drove away! They were cheering, that felt so good. I am thankful I have food, life and also my Jane Austen. Happy Thanksgiving to you too love this post!!
Thanks for your thoughtful comments, Krista, and blessing to you and your family!
Too true Shannon. It’s so important to take the time to remember our many blessings.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and to everyone here at AuAu. 
Thanks so much, Lisa. The same to you!
I so agree with you! I feel like they push it earlier every year! Happy Thanjs giving everyone!
I’m with you on this.
The business community may move holiday sales earlier every year, but two can play that game. We can celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas every day of the year – thus moving them even earlier than the stores are – by holding in our hearts thoughts of thankfulness, generosity and good will towards others.
Here in Canada, we celebrate Thanksgiving early in October. As for the holidays, we have an active Ukrainian population who celebrate according to the Julian calendar, so they start celebrating Christmas Eve on Jan 6 and keep on celebrating until January 19.
We have simplified our holiday celebrations. Each year I ask the family what parts of the traditional celebration is important to them. Then we do the things that have special meaning for family members – and skip everything else. This method reduces stress and increases happiness.
I, too, have an FB friend who posts a “I am grateful for” status every day. Every time I see her “grateful”, it reminds me of what I am grateful for this day.
Thanks for reminding us there’s another route than the commercial vision of a perfect holiday!
Some very good thoughts, Beatrice! We can’t control the retailers, but we are responsible for our own behavior and how we choose to honor the spirit of each holiday.
Well said, Shannon! I think each of us have so much to be thankful for!
I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!
You’re so right, Jakki.
I started a tradition a few years ago of asking my Thanksgiving guests to go around the table and share something they’re thankful for this year. It’s turned out to be a really great thing to do. It brings people back to the purpose of the day even if just for a moment.
An excellent tradition, Susan. No turkey (or tofu
) until everybody pauses for a moment to reflect and be grateful.
Happy Thanksgiving!
In my opinion you should also be thankful that you get to have that amazing view of the mountain to look at everyday. I really miss that view!
And I AM, Amelia. Come back and visit the view and me anytime!
What a great quote about “counting our blessings,” Shannon! Thanks for sharing!! And here’s wishing you — and everyone visiting AuAu — a very Happy Thanksgiving
.
Nice reminder! Thanks!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Pingback: Happy Thanksgiving 2012! | Sharon Lathan
My family is all scattered around this year so we’re not having a “real” Thanksgiving celebration but we all know we are fortunate to have each other, and have much to be thankful for. Have a great day, everyone!
Wonderful message.
Other than my son, I have no family. Luckily, he is close by, but I understand being alone for the holidays.