by Mary Jo
Thanksgiving is a justly popular holiday because it involves family, friends, food, and no need to shop for presents. <G> As you probably know, the holiday is a form of harvest festival so the origins are lost in the mists of time. The difference between a good harvest or a bad one was literally life or death, so it made great sense to celebrate the bounty of the earth.
I love Thanksgiving because it's secular and can be--and is!--celebrated by everyone, of all religious and ethnicities. It's a time for families, but also for inviting friends, particularly those who might not have someone else to celebrate with. Roast turkey is not mandatory.
Even though these days most of us aren't as closely connected to the production of food, I think Thanksgiving is a good time to consider the things we're thankful for, both large and small. A large occasion for gratitude this year is because this holiday has the blessing of being able to gather friends and family together in the traditional way after a year of lockdowns and reduced socializing. Some of my favorite people gathered at my table and we all contributed different dishes which makes the feast even better (as well as being less work for the hostess!)
But it has been a very difficult year, and many are still struggling. Which is why it's good to take time to give thanks for small good things. Twice in the past, I've blogged about looking for three things to be thankful for every day. Because it's been a rough year, remembering even a single small blessing can brighten our days. Things like:
***A touch of natural beauty, like a sunset or spring flowers.
***The charm and entertainment that pets can provide.
***A favorite food.
***Talking with a friend you haven't seen in too long and picking up as if no time has passed since your last conversation.
***A task performed successfully, whether at home or work. Personally, I'm pleased that I've successfully cleared away the geologic layers of accumulated papers, books, and unclassifiable objects on my desk so I can now actually see wood again!
So what small blessings can you give thanks for? I hope you have many!
Mary Jo