Fun fact: Those who express gratitude often typically possess greater joy than those who do not.
Thanksgiving, celebrated each year on the fourth Thursday of November, invites family and friends to come together, feast, and express gratitude.
While the turkey and pumpkin pie typically take the spotlight, many take time to volunteer at shelters or donate meals to the less fortunate, furthering the connection within the community. This holiday, and the traditions within it, builds lasting memories, boosting the holiday’s meaning of love and thankfulness.
Gratitude, the whole purpose of Thanksgiving, goes beyond the idea of a simple “thank you”. UCLA Health listed how practicing gratitude cleanses mental health, and strengthens relationships. Some of the physical benefits of gratitude consist of lower stress levels, better sleep, and a stronger immune system.
As a moment of personal reflection, Thanksgiving allows individuals to reflect on the people who surround them, their experiences, and joyous and meaningful moments.
Expressing gratitude can take various forms. Some families might create a gratitude circle, where everyone shares something they are thankful for that year. Other families might write appreciation cards or letters to friends and family members, acknowledging and appreciating their contribution to their lives. Some families even make small gestures in crafting or prayer.
In the sense of crafting, families, typically those with children, create objects like gratitude jars, where you collect little papers that express thankfulness. In prayer, some say thanks for the feast and for the effort in creating it. These practices strengthen the relationships within the family, inspiring kindness and positivity in children to continue the expression of gratitude.
Thanksgiving, a holiday steeped in tradition, continues to adapt through new generations. Friendsgiving, a somewhat new tradition, brings friends together for their own, private Thanksgiving celebrations. Friendsgiving bonds friends together, creating an environment of family togetherness. These informal gatherings typically include potluck-type meals, games, and more.
Technology also plays a major role in modern Thanksgiving, with virtual dinners, allowing distanced families to connect and commemorate the holiday.
Thanksgiving inspires many to pause, reflect, and express gratitude. Celebrated through simple acts like volunteering, writing gratitude cards, or reaching out to those you’re grateful for. Even small gestures add warmth to the holiday.
Thanksgiving gives a person the chance to celebrate life’s gifts, whether it’s through focusing on personal reflection, helping others, or connecting with loved ones. Allow gratitude and kindness to guide your Thanksgiving, filling the holiday with love and joy.