Why Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday

Of course, I love Christmas... for a variety of reasons, primarily the celebration of the birth of Christ. I love the candlelight service at our church where we all form a circle and sing Silent Night, our faces illuminated only by the small candles we hold before us. There's something unifying and magical about it. 

But, by far, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. As a child, my aunts and uncles and cousins gathered at the American Legion hall for a huge family celebration. I can't tell you how much I loved that. It is still one of my favorite childhood memories.

Now, as an adult with grown children and grandchildren, things are the not the same. The kids always have too many places to go, too many dinners to eat. Several times now, I've bent to accommodate their schedules and we've celebrated Thanksgiving the day before. That leaves Thursday open for a quiet, relaxing day for my husband and me. I don't mind, I suppose. Not too much, at least. 

Regardless of who I spend the day with, the reason I love Thanksgiving remains the same. It is a holiday that doesn't require shopping (other than for groceries). It is a day focused on giving thanks, not giving (or receiving) presents. And, regardless of the year's circumstances, there is always cause for gratitude. 

This year, rather than focusing on the big holiday coming up in December, why not step back and purposefully pay attention to the one on the 22nd of this month. Make this a month of Thanksgiving, a month of gratitude. 

I'll start off by letting you know how grateful I am for each of you. You make my role as Green Grandma a true joy, especially when you take the time to post a comment here or interact with me on Facebook or Twitter. I am thankful for you, my friends.

What are you thankful for?