Thanksgiving Lost and Found

Every year I feel like Thanksgiving gets lost a little more.  As holidays go, it’s not the most “fun.”

For people who like to eat, it is a big day for that.  But it generally involves 10 hours of preparation and cleanup, compared to an hour of eating enjoyment.

And there are no presents, or costumes, or really cool decorations.  No reason to empty your pockets at retail outlets with 24 hour access and half-price sales.

Maybe that’s why Thanksgiving’s getting lost.  It simply can’t compete with Christmas.

Two radio stations in my town went to 100% Christmas music the weekend after Halloween.  Because over 50% of their listeners surveyed wanted it that way.

As I searched Target for my favorite Halloween candy at 50% off, the store clerk next to me filled the shelf with Christmas decorations.

Thousands of retail employees will have their day interrupted today by the fact that they have to be at work tonight by 10 p.m., or midnight at the latest.

Thanksgiving, it seems, has become nothing more than the official kick-off to Christmas – the unofficial kick-off coming immediately after Halloween (and maybe ever earlier but for Halloween??!)

I’m not a big fan of the holiday myself, I’ll admit.  As a vegetarian who sees food as a necessity rather than a pleasure, the day’s activities never appealed to me much.

But, I would join a campaign to recreate the spirit of “thanks” and “giving.”  Because the activity of giving thanks is important enough to have its own day.

I envision a day when people send and/or deliver homemade cards and food to everyone they can think of who has given them any reason to be thankful.  When we all take a moment to say or write out our appreciation for all things big and small.

I see glimmers of hope.  Maybe Thanksgiving can be found again.  I like the Target employee who started the petition asking his store to reconsider opening at midnight.

I like Nordstrom’s clearly distinguishing itself when it posted signs saying it would celebrate Thanksgiving first, and then deck the halls for Christmas.

In the spirit of being the change I want to see in the world, I vow to make Thanksgiving different for my family, friends and acquaintances next year.

Because I admit, I don’t remember what anyone gave me for Christmas or my birthday last year.

But I remember that my mom and niece were healthy and wealthy enough to travel to my house and spend Grandparents’ Day at my kids’ school.

I remember having a friend who took time out of her busy day to listen, understand, and just be there when I was overwhelmed by a life challenge.

I remember my business coach taking time to care about my personal life ~ at no extra charge!

And my 3-year-old, who routinely wakes up too early in the morning and comes down to snuggle on my back while I work.  I never thought anything of it until one morning when I wasn’t wearing my normal fleece nightshirt.  “I need your warm snuggly shirt mommy,” he said.

I’ll always remember what a difference something as simple as my shirt made to him.  And how I feel about having the privilege of giving him that feeling.

Family and friends who are always there for me.  Always.  Kids who teach me lessons every day, and who bring tears of joy to my eyes in the simplest moments.  I could go on all day.

Like Mary J. Blige said this morning at the Thanksgiving Day parade when asked what she was thankful for — “I’m thankful.  I’m just thankful.”  Amen, Mary J., me too!

I hope you are enjoying this Thanksgiving Day.  I challenge you to take at least 15 minutes today to just be thankful.  And to be conscious of everything you do – everyday.  You’ll be pleasantly surprised about how much thanks there is out there that’s worth giving.

Thank YOU for reading.

JENNIFER HERNDON is a work at home mom with three fabulous kids, ages 3, 4 and 7. She has been enjoying the time freedom and financial benefits of working at home for over 13 years. Jennifer’s passion is empowering others to personal and business success through a positive mindset and consistent action.

Jennifer credits the turn-around in her online business to Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan, the perfect tool for planning a successful life. Here’s your chance to be inspired and guided daily by the world’s greatest business philosopher. Create your future with Jim Rohn’s One Year Success Plan and start improving your life and your business today!

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