Mellie's Books

Halloween has passed and stores are packed with Christmas decorations and gift ideas.

What happened to Thanksgiving?

Thanksgiving is a time to step back for a moment, with family and friends, and think about our blessings during the past year. What events have given us insight or brought us joy since last Thanksgiving?

I think a lot of people rush past Thanksgiving simply because it lacks the excitement and glamour of Christmas. There are no pretty colored lights adorning the sidewalks, no snowmen or snowflakes on the storefront windows, and no beautifully decorated trees in stores or homes.

I actually heard one of our daughters step-daughters ask what the big deal was with Thanksgiving. After all, you don’t get gifts or anything. It’s just dinner.

Has our society become so selfish that unless there is something to gain, there’s no reason to celebrate? If we don’t get gifts, it’s a pointless exercise?

I would like to see our department and grocery stores spend a little time, at least, on Thanksgiving. Why can’t we have displays of table decorations for Thanksgiving featuring cornucopias, autumn leaves, and harvest themes?

How about gratitude journals, even small card-sized ones, to list what we’re grateful for this year and what we’re looking forward to in the year to come?

Yes, Halloween is fun with all the costumes and decorations. Christmas is a beautiful time of year with all the symbolism of the season and presents for family and friends.

But let’s not forget Thanksgiving. Let’s not forget to be thankful for what we have, what we’ve been given. Don’t  rush from and evening of parties and dress-up to what-did-I-get-for-Christmas.

Take a moment to reflect on what you’ve been given throughout the year. Not monetarily, but in life experience, friendship, health, and abundance.

Maybe this hasn’t been a particularly abundant year for you in terms of your bank account. The economy hasn’t been great. But if you have family, friends, a roof over your head, and food on your table, you can give thanks.

Halloween has come and gone and Christmas is on the way. But let’s not neglect Thanksgiving. Let’s make time to slow down a little, take a break, and reflect on our blessings this year.

Have a wonderful and bountiful Thanksgiving.

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