Grateful Ways to Celebrate Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and since it’s the time of year to celebrate our blessings, why not kick it up a notch? Here are some ways to truly show your gratefulness.

Honor Those Working to Protect Us
Make extra food and give to the local police station or fire department. Call ahead to see what these folks might accept, but offering a home-cooked meal to people who are working on Thanksgiving is a wonderful gesture.

Honor Those Serving Our Country
Say a prayer for the men and women serving in our armed forces. Send cards, books, and thank you notes to them letting them know how much you appreciate their service. Places like Any Soldier can help you find addresses and instructions.

Visit Someone Housebound
Make or bring meals to those alone or shut in. So many people are alone on Thanksgiving, and some don’t have family. Make a meal for them and offer to spend time helping them celebrate.

Feed the Hungry
Serve at a food pantry or homeless shelter. Use Google to find places near you, or contact your church or community center.

Reach Out Long Distance
Call up an elderly relative or long-distance friend to let them know you are thinking about them.

Mend Fences
Been fighting with a friend? Relative? Apologize and let bygones be bygones.

Give Thank You Cards
Instead of sending home leftovers from the Thanksgiving meal, give your guests a card filled with reasons why you appreciate them. A personalized card describing what it is you love about them will help them feel grateful too.

Consciously Recognize How Blessed You Are
As your Thanksgiving day progresses, stop an appreciate the small moments where you find yourself surrounded by friends and family and simply appreciate them. Whatever your situation, know that someone cares about you and that you are blessed.

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