Family Thanksgiving

Turkey day isn't far off, when families all over America will be celebrating a family thanksgiving, the traditional all-American holiday commemorating the arrival of the first emigrants to this country. Those determined souls, traveling on the Mayflower from England, survived only because of the kindness and sharing of knowledge bestowed on them by the Native Americans.

The emigrants were unused to the harsh winters of Plymouth Rock and might certainly have starved that first winter in their new home. The Native Americans showed them how to forage for and prepare the new foods, enabling them to survive those first few rough years.

Today, we carry on the tradition of giving thanks for our many blessings, on the third Thursday of November, each year. The family Thanksgiving dinner is a cherished occasion, to eat, drink and be merry! No matter how modest or elaborate your Thanksgiving dinner menu may be, we've got some great ideas on how to make your family Thanksgiving the best ever.

The true spirit of the family Thanksgiving dinner lies in counting our blessings. When we stop to think of all that we have to be grateful for, it becomes apparent that everyone else may not be so fortunate. We all know that there are people who are homeless, who may not be able to enjoy a meal of any kind. There are elderly people without a soul in the world to bring them comfort. As we count our blessings, it becomes incumbent on those of us who have a home and food to spread a little good fortune to those in greater need.

As you're leafing through your Thanksgiving recipes, think about this: that great and tasty Thanksgiving turkey can be found on sale for just several dollars. If you can manage to afford two, why not donate the extra bird to one of the soup kitchens which serve the poor? How about your treasured family Thanksgiving recipe for cranberry sauce, or pearl onions in a nutmeg cream sauce?

A double batch is no trouble to make and costs just a couple of dollars. Spread the spirit of thanks with a donation of your family Thanksgiving recipes with an organization that feeds the poor. We're all struggling to make ends meet, but you can modify your menus for a couple of weeks, in order to help others now, with your family's needs none the worse for a generous act.

Sharing your family Thanksgiving with others sets a great example for your kids. The Thanksgiving celebration takes on new meaning, imparting a sense of community and the spirit of sharing. Wouldn't you like to know that your kids will continue your tradition into the next generation?

Here's another suggestion that makes the spirit of the family Thanksgiving come alive. Do you know someone who lives alone, who might be spending Thanksgiving by themselves? Invite them to your home, to share in your Thanksgiving dinner. You'll have more blessings to count!