Of all the holidays we celebrate, my favorite is fast approaching: Thanksgiving. Besides the essence of what this holiday represents, the traditions and festivities are hard to top! But the fact that this holiday always falls on the last Thursday of November, which usually makes for a long weekend, is most enjoyable to me. Savoring the family, friends, food and football—it’s all so fantastic!
Various Thanksgiving traditions make the holiday even more special. I know of several “turkey bowls” that neighborhood kids play football in. And then there’s Black Friday, that calm day when everyone gets to sleep in (did you smell the sarcasm there?!). A favorite tradition in my family is writing a thank-you note. Each year at this time, the girls and I write a “in-the-spirit-of-this-Thanksgiving season” card, taking the time to send someone the appreciation that so many people deserve.
There are no presents to buy and wrap for this holiday; the only thing that needs to be spent is time with one another. This is why I consider this holiday a favorite. It’s a great time to reflect on the past year, look forward to what’s ahead and give thanks for all we have.
Even in this tough time, I believe everyone has much to be thankful for. So I decided to take an official, unofficial postal poll regarding this topic. Last week, I had a tablet out on my counter so that customers waiting in line could write down what they are thankful for.
Below, I’ve listed some of my favorite responses. Let’s call them my “Top Ten Turkey Time Thank-yous.”
10. My life and waking up today
9. The post office tape that is holding me together!
8.5. Chapstick and my family
8. The bright sunshine today
7. Knitting
6.5. Whiskey!
6. Meat substitutes so I can enjoy my version of Thanksgiving dinner (and not just the side dishes)
5. Dogs
4.5. THON
4. My health and the health of my family
3. That I have a job… and WEEKENDS!
2.5. Hugs
2. Seatbelts
1. “I am thankful for flowers because they make our world beautiful.” (That response comes from Alexia, age 6—one of my customers’ daughters!)
I officially unofficially surveyed more than 2,000 people and truly enjoyed reading each and every response. The majority were people thankful for their families, friends and their health.
I hope that this year, either around the Thanksgiving table, during a phone call, in a random conversation, or—like my family—while writing a spirit-of-Thanksgiving card, everyone is able to express gratitude to those who make life as sweet as homemade Thanksgiving pumpkin pie.
As crazy busy as this holiday can be with the organized chaos of your extended family, traveling, cheering on the Saints to beat the Cowboys, and the 3:45 a.m. alarm clock going off on Friday morning so you can shop till you drop, make sure you take time to relish the long weekend and relax. To all of you who visit the post office, read this column, or go out of your way to say hello to me on the street, thank you for reminding me every day how blessed I am.
