5 Simple Ways to Keep the Thanks in Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude… except when the stresses of everyday life get in the way. If you’re looking to simplify Thanksgiving so you can focus on the “thanks,” here are 5 ways to do it…

As I was walking, or really speed-walking, through Walmart today, grabbing last minute Thanksgiving meal items and trying to cut off an argument between two of my kids before it got too heated, I thought that there was nothing remotely Thanksgiving-ey about the scene.

Despite the holiday décor and discounted Stove Top, I was feeling less than thankful; more like tired, stressed, and irritated. From the rubbernecking shopping carts to the squabbling by my side, I was thinking I should have just cancelled Thanksgiving and gotten a rotisserie chicken.

Really, that was my game plan this week because my kids caught the stomach flu, which is pretty much a holiday-killer. But today, there were signs of improvement and I decided to muscle through (especially since the Halloween festivities had been cancelled when the baby broke her arm and the other kids had been so good about it). Hence, my trip to Walmart the day before the day.

I really wanted to have that peaceful feeling that I associate with home and the holidays, to feel the gratitude that Thanksgiving represents. But with lethargic and cranky children, not to mention my own limited time and energy, I needed to pick some things that would mean a lot, but wouldn’t be hard to implement.

Here are the handful of things that I chose…

 

5 simple ways to keep the thanks in Thanksgiving.

[Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. Please see below for more details]

 

Give something

Whether it’s working at a soup kitchen, inviting someone over for dinner who was going to spend the holiday alone, or making a donation to charity, gratitude and generosity go hand-in-hand. This is one of my favorite organizations to give to — check out their charity gift catalog, my kids and I love it.

 

Come back to the history

With little kids, I can’t get too heavy on them. So, breaking out the Charlie Brown Thanksgiving gives them the chance to hear Linus give a short history lesson and learn how to open a lawn chair. But, seriously, it’s important to remember what this holiday symbolizes,

 

Share scripture

There is plenty to be thankful for in the Bible. But reading certain verses really helps me reflect on having a grateful heart — like this, this, and this.

 

Make home homey

I am thankful for a home to live in and a family to share it with. For many, those are things they only wish they had. So, I do a few things to make my home inviting and happy.

 

• 

  I love wax melts that make my house smell good. They’re pretty inexpensive now and make my house smell like homemade apple pie, even though the one I’m serving was made at Marie Callender’s.

• Playing classical or Christmas music makes the place feel peaceful and keeps me in relaxed mood.
• I try to clean up because a neater home makes me feel less stressed and I can take a break from the daily chores to spend time with my husband and kids.

 

Focus on our blessings

I ask everyone in the family to share what they are thankful for. Listening to their thoughts reminds me that for all the turkey, parades, and football, Thanksgiving is about giving thanks for what we have been blessed with.

 

So, if your plate is full before the turkey has even been carved, try these suggestions to help you reframe your Thanksgiving from one of “have-to-dos” to one of “lucky-to-dos.”

I hope this holiday brings you peace and gratitude, as well as a happy heart. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!

Do you have any simple ways to remember the thanks in Thanksgiving that I missed? Please share them in the comments!

 

Looking for more posts about Thanksgiving and gratitude? Try these great posts:

10 Family Traditions to Include in Your Thanksgiving Celebration

10 Ways to Show Gratitude this Thanksgiving

Remembering Leads to Gratitude

Let Gratitude Fill Your Heart

 

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