Thankful for Family Dinners
The tradition of giving thanks at the end of the fall harvest is as old as farming itself. For roughly 10,000 years, families from every corner of the globe have been gathering to enjoy and give thanks for the fruits (and grains) of their labor.
Thanksgiving is definitely a wonderful time when American families share a seasonal feast. But wouldn't it be nice to celebrate — and give thanks for — our families more often than once a year?
Perfect for setting the Thanksgiving table, or as a fun dinnertime idea, write down each guest's name on place cards and think of reasons why you're thankful for each guest, or one admirable quality he or she possesses, and write it on the card. Then, during the meal, ask everyone at the table to share at least three things they are thankful for. People can keep their cards to remind them of how important they are in the lives of others.
Wondering how to make Grandma's perfect Pumpkin Pie, create a family cookbook by putting together all the traditional holiday meals and family favorite recipes. As new things are tried, and enjoyed, add them to the book. You could also include the name of the person who created the recipe, a photo, and a memory or thought about that person. As the younger generation grows up and gets married, present a copy to the new bride and groom. The recipes will get passed down rather than be forgotten and new traditions will emerge.
Speaking of traditions, why not start a new family tradition with a "Thanks for Giving" day. This can be any day of your choosing where you pick an organization to give to (i.e., homeless, disaster relief, battered women) and family members collect food or toys or clothing, pack the items up, and deliver them. Or perhaps there is someone in your neighborhood such as a shut-in or elderly person to whom you could offer your family's help with yard work or home maintenance. At dinner that evening, you can talk about the benefits of giving to those in need.
Remember, it doesn't have to be the third Thursday in November to give thanks for your family and the times you share together. Find ways to show gratitude and enjoy family mealtimes all throughout the year.