Make note of those things you are thankful for

“Yippy-ki-yay!” is currently my five-year-old favorite phrase to shout as we head out the door and load up to head to the school. I’m not sure if I was ever that excited to go to classes, but it makes me thankful that he has that enthusiasm.

We’re currently in the season of Thanksgiving, though in recent years “Turkey Day” has taken somewhat of a backseat to its holiday neighbors Halloween and Christmas. Of course, there isn’t as much widespread production around Thanksgiving. Halloween has its elaborate costumes, makeup and decorations, and Christmas has its lights and shopping, but Thanksgiving is, in comparison, a bit more subdued when it comes to celebration, keeping itself primarily to inside our homes.

But, the message behind the day is where Thanksgiving really shines. Not just a day to collect candy or gifts, it’s a chance for us to take note of those things we are grateful for, whether it be family, friends, a chance to learn or any number of things we might find ourselves taking for granted during the rest of the year.

I’m especially grateful to live in a community in which people care for and look out for one another, as shown by the meals put together for the public, centers available for financial, mental and emotional health, the staff at educational and medical facilities who care for those in their charge, and others to numerous to name here.

Over the next week leading up to Thanksgiving, I encourage you to take some respite from the craziness of the holiday season and make note of those things you are thankful for. Whether you choose to share them with others or keep them to yourself, it can be a great reminder of what this season is all about.