Here we are, just a few days away from Thanksgiving 2020! Where did this year go? As you have no doubt experienced, time is quickly draining out of the hourglass marked 2020. And for many of us, this year has been fraught with all kinds of challenges, from Covid 19, to loss of freedoms, businesses, and joy. But, if I have learned anything in my life, it’s that even when things seem desperate and full of chaos, we have a sure and steadfast anchor for our souls. In addition, our hope is not in this life, but our hope is in the Lord, who equips us to be able to walk through the chaos with joy and thanksgiving.
With that in mind, let’s talk turkey about Thanksgiving and its meanings and traditions.
I talk a lot about time and the efficient use of it. The very best use of time is to invest it. One great way to wisely invest your time is by creating lasting family traditions.
And now, with Thanksgiving approaching, one long-standing tradition for most Americans comes easily to mind: a beautiful dinner table laden with delicious traditional foods and surrounded by dear family and friends. Thanksgiving, of all the holidays, is one of the most family-oriented and least commercialized holiday, and for that I am thankful!
Smiles and laughter balanced with reflection and celebration. The perfect combo. This Thanksgiving marks 157 Thanksgivings that we have celebrated as a nation. And we’ve never missed a single one!
On a personal level, my Thanksgiving traditions have taken on new life as of late. In 2007, I discovered my biological family who all live in Kentucky. All of them live far away except for one first cousin who lives down the road in Westcliffe, Colorado. My new tradition is that I go to their home for Thanksgiving, and as a special treat, we go into the national forest, usually in deep snow and cut down their Christmas tree.
We load it on the truck and bring it home for the Christmas holidays.
Now that is one cool tradition that I absolutely love!
If you need some fresh ideas on starting your own fun and inspirational family traditions, try these websites to jump start your imagination:
1. Start a Family Tradition! “8 wonderful ways to create family memories, beginning in your baby’s first year.” (by Sascha Zuger at parenting.com)
2. The importance of family traditions. “As families become more fragmented and disconnected, there is less time and opportunity to enjoy the simple traditions that were once a natural part of family life.” (by Karen Banes at Hubpages)
3. Meaningful Family Traditions Strengthen Family “Family traditions counter alienation and confusion. They help us define who we are; they provide something steady, reliable and safe in a confusing world.”- Susan Lieberman
Have any great ideas that you have used and are worth sharing. Let me know!
And have a fabulous Thanksgiving.