I am grateful for the fact that in America we celebrate Thanksgiving every year. Abraham Lincoln’s 1863 proclamation was the first time all states celebrated on the same day, the fourth Thursday in November, which to this day we still honor. Although, now it seems that it also kicks off the Holiday Shopping Season, which in some cases seems to take over the holiday. I like this exercise I am doing writing about things that I am grateful for during the month of November. December can sometimes overwhelm with the rush to celebrate Christmas in such a material way. For a while now, Keith and I have scaled back on going all out for Christmas. We instead like to make and give gifts to friends and loved ones. We are in a sense giving part of ourselves and enjoy that so much more than shopping for what we hope someone will like. And we don’t have to deal with credit card shock come January!
Thanksgiving has also changed for us. Some years we celebrate with family visiting and some years we do not. but something started a few years ago for us is participating in the Drumstick Dash on Thanksgiving morning in our hometown. Last year there were over 15,000 people and animals that participated. This year my Mom and Stepfather will be joining us for their first time participating. I am really looking forward to walking with them and our friends. The money raised helps support the Roanoke Rescue Mission and we get exercise while we participate in the walk. I am grateful that I can help the work of the Rescue Mission and enjoy the morning in a new way with family and friends. If you live close by, I highly recommend that you join in the fun.
Quote and numeric graphic by Kristen Creech from her 30 Days of Gratitude kit.
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