Thanksgiving (happening at the end of the month) is one of my favorite holidays because it is something that almost all of the US population celebrates. It’s not something that we’re divided over by religious lines or based on how political we are, everyone benefits from taking a day to be thankful. I’ve heard some complaints from people who are unhappy that there are signs of Christmas beginning to appear (only days after Halloween), while others are totally on board with celebrating Christmas starting now based on how challenging this year has been (I may or may not be listening to Christmas music while typing this 🙂 ). I do understand the argument on Christmas arriving too soon, especially since these early pre-December weeks are often centered around deals and not about Christmas celebrating, and the argument that Thanksgiving seems to be pushed aside. But in a season that we seem to pack overly full of live and community, why shouldn’t we stress ourselves out less and start a little sooner on it all?
But what it comes down to is the choice that each of us have to make on our focus. Do we choose to find ways to be thankful each day and especially in November? Maybe that’s giving back in our communities a little more, donating to grocery store food boxes, putting aside some money for charities instead of spending it all on gift giving, making some extra pies or cookies to share with shut-ins or elderly neighbors, incorporating some thanksgiving into our marketing strategies, or sharing a few more kind words than usual on social posts.
And in part this is the reality check we’ve been handed this year: what will we choose to focus on, what will we chose to give our attention to, what is a good use of our time and talents, do we need to focus on the big picture or the small details right now, what can I do about the situation I find myself in, and what will help me/us get through today to the best of my/our ability? I think we’ve gotten a lot better at asking these questions because of this year’s challenges, and we’ve gotten better at making decisions that support our future (or at least more committed to better preparing for the future).
So yes, I will spend time focused on being thankful this month, and I’ll be encouraging others to do the same as well, because life goes better when we’re thankful (especially since we can’t really share a smile while wearing a mask). But I also won’t let the grumpiness of some people sidetrack me from mixing in a little shopping and Christmas movies and music from my life either. As we’ve learned this year, life’s too short to not keep it all in perspective. Will you join me in both focusing and being thankful?