A Reminder to Give Thanks

I have found that a lot of Americans dislike “Hallmark” holidays like Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day because they see them as money-making schemes created to give consumers a reason to make purchases that they otherwise might not.  In contrast, my family has always made a big deal out of these holidays.  We always send cards and gifts and make phonecalls and plan weekends surrounding these holidays so that we can celebrate them properly.  It may seem silly, but I really think this is a great tradition.

These holidays always remind me to give thanks.  It’s not everyday that I really think about the people in my life like my mother and father and boyfriend and really take the time to appreciate all that they do for me.  It doesn’t mean that I don’t appreciate them everyday, but it does mean that this is a special time to put it into words or a gift or something special to express it.

Father’s Day was yesterday and it was great to see my whole family gathered in honor of my father.  We did activities and ate food that he loves and truly spent time showing him how much we care about him and the ways that he has provided for us.  We spent time on cards and gifts to truly give thanks.

Even if Father’s Day is not the holiday for you, maybe take a minute to think about these holidays that have been created in honor of relationships.  And if you don’t want a holiday to remind you of these things, then pick another day to do something special to give thanks to the people in your life who really deserve it.

Image: pipitdapo on Flickr