Ten things I love about Thanksgiving

Here’s what I absolutely love about Thanksgiving. 

—1. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade has been an institution since the early 1920s. Oh, I’m not a fan of the commercialism, but I love watching the parade with my kids, commenting on our favorite floats and the balloons we look forward to seeing each year.

—2. Family time. We joke about families not getting along this time of year, but take the bad relationships out of the equation, there’s nothing like it when you have a chance to get together with family you love.

—3. It’s the start of the holiday season, but there’s no gift giving. Your presence is enough! Is there anything better than that.

—4. Amazing desserts.

—5. I understand that as we learn more about the past and the original Thanksgiving, it might not be what we think it was, but I still love the meaning of the day: saying thanks and spending time with people we love.

—6. With Christmas coming, I love “starting” to pull out a few decorations from our basement, maybe even decorating a few things, and reminiscing on Christmas’ past.

—7. Mashed potatoes and stuffing. Enough said.

—8. Practicing gratitude all month long. Numerous studies have found that having a grateful outlook, “counting one’s blessings” and expressing gratitude to others can have positive effects on our interpersonal relationships, and even our physical health.

—9. People are nicer and wish each other Happy Thanksgiving.

—10. The crisp Autumn temperature in the air. It’s not winter, but it’s certainly not summer either.

Happy Thanksgiving!