“We’ve got another holiday to worry about. It seems Thanksgiving Day is upon us.” – Charlie Brown
Just as Lucy attests to the tradition of the kicking of the football, a tradition in our house is watching Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving. It’s something that the kids look forward to and enjoy. And it’s something I enjoyed growing up and we looked forward to every year.
As kids we would watch the key shows, Charlie Brown’s Thanksgiving and Garfield’s Thanksgiving, after which my mother would watch the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade while fixing the turkey, yams and pie.
Each family creates their own traditions they naturally pass down to their children. Sometimes that will continue to pass along. And we often hope that the good traditions, values, and fond memories will continue on.
It might seem a little cliché, but as we come together this holiday season, we need to remember that what our children see us do will become their traditions. Taking a few minutes to offer prayer to the Lord for the bounty we have received should become an important part of Thanksgiving.
More than just food and family gathering. Even when times are not tough, we should offer our gratitude. The movies and stuffing are nice. But what really carries on is our values. And I believe Christ smiles down upon us when we are truly thankful.
And not just on this one day of the year. Showing our gratitude all year makes a big difference in how we act, and how others perceive us. A family prayer over a meal is important. And something our family will do, even if we are eating out at a restaurant.
What are you thankful for this year?