However, this year I am humbled by my lack of time and how it has impacted this "Season of Thanks", or should I call it my "Season of Nothing Different than Last Month." Although we strive every day to appreciate our blessings as a family (grace before dinner, prayers before bed, conversations of blessings, etc), I am humbled by the fact that during this "Season of Thanks", there's been no special season, and there has been no special thanks. Instead, I'm afriad that our thanks-giving has become rote and mundane to them. How did this happen???? "No! I want it to be more than that!" my heart pleads. I want my children to really appreciate not only the celebration of the First Thanksgivng between the Pilgrims and the Native Americans, but also to appreciate all we have been givin in this life.
So in an effort to abort this "Season of Nothing Different Than Last Month" and redirect it, I have come up with a list of things that does not require extra time or any creatvity (or domesticality) that will create a SEASON (meaning more than one day) of THANKFULNESS to my children. Here is my list. I call it, "Hey, Give Me a Break. I am Not Creative and Have Limited Time" list of new annual traditions.
Prior to Thanksgiving Day:
* "I am Thankful for YOU" video cards.
Now that I have a smartphone (thank you, work!), I have the amazing ability to create short videos and email them instantly. Each day, my children each think of one person they are thankful for and 3 reasons why they are thankful for them or 3 things that they love/cherish about that person. I make a video of them expressing this and send it to each person. Every morning. Before SuperReader comes on.
* Thanksgiving Book Nook
All the Thanksgiving themed books have been put into a basket and put them in a cozy corner with a bean bag chair or pillows and blankets, creating a cozy atmosphere where we can cuddle as a family and read books of Thankfulness. Each night. Before bed.
* Thanksgiving Eve
Since Thanksgiving Day tends to be a day of cooking, rushing around, and sometimes chaos with all the guests and people swirling around, take Wednesday evening to snuggle up as a family and spend quality time all together. This year's First Annual Thanksgiving Eve Family Party included a fireside picnic dinner (finger food for the children & Thai takeout for us) and movie night/game night. In our jammies, of course!
Thanksgiving Day:
* Thanksgiving Hostess Gift
A special symbol of gratitude for the person hosting the Thanksgiving meal. Since it's usually a family member, I often forget the hostess gift. No longer!!! Consider an apron, a filled photo book of the years highlights, or a Christmas ornament.
After Thanksgiving:
* Friday Date Day
Instead of shopping on Friday, have a date with each of your children throughout the day. Each parent can take one child and then switch throughout the day, or you can arrange to have a sitter (or family member) stay with the remaining children while you spend quality time with one child at a time, expressing your thankfulness for that individual child.
* On Saturday after Thanksgiving, volunteer at a shelter, the Salvation Army, Meals on Wheels, etc, to give to those less fortunate.
Suddenly, Thanksgiving feels much more thankful!!!
