Thanksgiving is a day many look forward to all year. The excitement of embarking on a journey, whether on a flight or, at times, a long drive, to reunite with loved ones for a traditional feast is a feeling we all hold special in our hearts.
Smelling the delicious aromas of our favorite dishes wafting from the kitchen and catching up on the latest events while the football game plays on the large screen is something we can all relate to in some way.
But for some, and I’m guilty of doing this, the awaited and exciting time of getting together with family and friends reaches its peak on the way home after the meal.
The focus automatically shifts to getting the tree, decorating the home, and getting through the shopping as fast as possible.
This rushed, check-off-list thinking sets the perfect setting for the holiday blues cloud of sadness, fatigue, and stress.
Rushing through the mall or ordering online to meet a self-imposed deadline of wrapping gifts and putting them under the tree by a specific date turns this time of year into an obligation and mundane routine rather than enjoying all the fun and beauty of the holiday season.
It can also distract us from the real purpose of this special time of year, which is to spend time with friends and family members.
We can all agree that 2024 has been a challenging year for most people. Many of us have been impacted by the increasing cost of living, natural disasters, loss of loved ones, and unexpected health diagnoses.
Although we cannot change the past year’s disappointments, embracing the season’s joy and positive spirit can help us appreciate the moments we treasure.
Focusing on the things we love that give our lives meaning and purpose can strengthen the connections that enrich our lives and bring us joy.
Gratitude is a powerful tool that reduces stress, uplifts our mood, and enhances our emotional stability. It allows us to focus on the positive aspects of our lives rather than external circumstances.
Being grateful for what we have rather than what we lack can shift our perspective and change how we view and respond to the world.
We should make it a point to catch ourselves draining our mental energy on things that have a low impact on our lives.
It’s almost automatic to complain about stiff, tired muscles and back pain while forgetting about the neighbor across the hallway who has a debilitating physical condition.
Or feeling disappointed about being unable to remodel our homes for the holiday season when hundreds of people are still recovering their losses from the last hurricane season.
Last, wasting precious time trying to convince family members to agree on a particular political issue by forgetting the obvious. Only they have the power to change their minds.
Why not spend that time watching a movie, playing games, or simply reminiscing on the fun memories from a trip taken in past years?
Taking time during the weekends to stroll down a festively decorated street or accept invitations to holiday parties and celebrations can enhance our appreciation for this special time of year.
For many, loneliness can be a strong emotion when they cannot be with their families. It is common for them to experience mixed feelings during the holidays.
Staying connected with friends and family, even from a distance, is important.
Scheduling time to talk or meet with a support group can provide comfort and help you connect with others who share the same sadness and loneliness, especially during the holidays.
While many would agree that maintaining a spirit of thankfulness and gratitude during the holidays can be challenging for some, especially when dealing with personal or family hardships, it’s important to begin each morning by finding something to smile about, no matter the circumstances, especially this time of year.
Takeaway: It’s easy to get distracted by all the elaborate aspects of this time of year. By focusing on the little things, prioritizing family and friends, and finding ways to express gratitude, we can appreciate and remember the true meaning of our celebrations.
As we count down to the last day of the year, let’s ask ourselves, “How many ways can I express thankfulness?” Let’s start practicing gratitude today and see how it can transform our holiday season.