Thanksgiving is one of my most favourite holidays.  It's not just because my second son was born on Thanksgiving; well, at least it was the year he was born.  Not like my first son whose birthday is on January 1^st and that is always New Year's Day.  Nor is it like son number four whose birthday is on St. Patrick's Day which is always March 17^th.  No, son number two's birthday is "around" Thanksgiving and really special when they are the same.  But that's not the reason why I love Thanksgiving. 

It isn't really about the season either although there is much to love there, too.  The leaves are changing their colours creating a painters paradise.  Not that I can paint!  The rustle of leaves that have already fallen are a beckoning call to hike the meandering trails while there is still time. I'm really going to try to do that this year: honest I am!  And who can ignore the honking of geese as they begin their journey south only to seemingly return a few hours later honking their "maybe I'll just stay here" song?

And with the fall comes the shortening of the days.  Although those days of going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark are no more, it is still very much a part of my life as I find myself flipping the lights on earlier and earlier.  It's never really been about the cold and snow in winter that frazzles me so much as the darkness creeping into my life.  No, that certainly isn't why I love Thanksgiving.

An extra hour with someone special would be perfect.  This is the time of year when it's great to get together with loved ones as it so much more relaxed than any other holiday. Oh, sure there is all that dinner preparation and house cleaning stuff, like Christmas, but there's no dreaded months long shopping frenzy that totally wears you out before you even get to the holiday.  Decorating is way easier.  I know I'm not the harried housewife answering the door when family comes but instead am filled with thanksgiving that they all arrived safely, no matter the day. 

Any day that is spent with family is a day to celebrate.  It was around Thanksgiving when I first met my two step-sons.  I intended to impress them with making my first ever pumpkin pie.  Placing it and the apple pie I'd made on the sideboard waiting the dinner hour, I felt this twinge of things not being quite right but passed it off to the nervousness of meeting the boys.  Upon serving the pies later in the day, the twinge was accounted for as it suddenly struck me that pumpkin pies don't have top crusts.  Fortunately, there's nothing like the aroma coming from the kitchen and lots of laughter to bring a family together, no matter the day.

Have you noticed how much easier it is to talk about such things as being thankful during the month of October? Does it mean that people are less thankful at other times? I think not. They are just too busy going about their daily routine.  And when was the last time, other than Thanksgiving, when you even asked someone about their attitude of gratitude?  Imagine meeting up with your friend at the local coffee shop and starting your conversation with, "So, what's new and what are you thankful for today?"  It would indeed seem funny; and that's funny peculiar not funny haha!

Yes, I know. it's too bad it takes a holiday for people to feel that way but seeing as that's how it is, let's just soak it in.  Take the time to share with others what you have to be thankful for and ask the same of them.  It's amazing how soon everyone has this "gynormous" list and you can tell by the look on their faces that it's been a while since they realized it.  The shock is soon replaced by a look of contentment and for many moments the stress drains from their faces.

Perhaps when this list is reflected upon, a person might actually realize that not only do they have much for which to be thankful but that they are also happy.  Happy is a funny word: funny peculiar not funny haha.  It is seldom used in daily conversations but rather reserved for greetings such as Happy Birthday, Happy Anniversary or Happy Thanksgiving.  Think on this. When was the last time you heard someone say, "I am happy"?   Maybe this Thanksgiving will give you time to reflect and decide that you are happy.  If so, go out and tell your world.

Note to Self…  Today I will recognize the happy in Happy Thanksgiving  and hold on to it all year long.