Being Thankful On Thanksgiving

I’m starting to think about Thanksgiving.  We will be hosting a formal dinner Thursday night and then an informal “Friendsgiving” with leftovers the next day. 

As for the formal Thanksgiving…

Beyond all the food, there is a popular tradition of going around the table at dinner and saying what we are thankful for.  I must confess, I didn’t really like this tradition so much.  We all seemed a little uncomfortable when it was our turn to speak and, just like an award acceptance speech, there was always that fear that we would leave someone or something out. 

Then I got the idea a few years ago to take this nice-but-awkward tradition and transform it into a personal note from one guest to another.  Before we sit down for dinner, everyone is asked to draw names from a hat.  Once they have a name, they need to take about five minutes to write a quick note about what they are thankful for in that particular person.  The note is then put it in an envelope and set at the place at the table where that person will be seated. When it’s time for dinner, everyone gets to read and feel appreciated!

It takes a little planning ahead, but the gift each of us has waiting for us at the table is worth it!