Thanksgiving doesn’t feel anything like it did when I was a child. It has evolved over nearly 400 years since it was first celebrated. In the last 35 years alone, our society has greatly impacted how this holiday is celebrated. Three factors with a large influence are the increase of splintered families, the increase of commercialization, and the decrease in people regularly attending a church.
Thanksgiving has transitioned to be a weekend of shopping madness. Many stores are opening now on Thanksgiving to capture your dollars. In a few more decades, I would guess all the stores would be open, just like on Veterans Day or Memorial Day.
Regardless of what your plans may be for Thanksgiving, I recommend a few basics to fully enjoy the holiday.
1. Reflection: For most people giving thanks would be number one, but I think reflection must come first. Reflection gives you a chance to put in perspective all the blessings received in the previous year.
2. Giving Thanks: Giving thanks is something we need to do intentionally, and all the year. However on Thanksgiving Day we take the opportunity as a special time. The word giving means we must express our thanks, not just be thankful. Here is a great blog about being intentional this Thanksgiving. http://www.johnmaxwell.com/blog/giving-intentional-thanks
3. Rejuvenation of Spirit: This Thanksgiving let yourself be rejuvenated by the holiday. Take time for yourself. Don’t spend your entire weekend working, shopping, eating, and sleeping. Take a few moments just for yourself and rejuvenate your spirit, and your attitude.
I wish you a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. Enjoy your time, and save a little for yourself.