Making a little room for gratitude in a season that never seems to slow down.

Autumn brings in one of the most beautiful times of year, in my opinion. It has brightly colored leaves, flowers, and a cozy feeling, almost like being hugged by a warm blanket. There is also this odd phenomenon I’ve observed that happens around November 1.

Suddenly, twinkly lights and inflatable Santa Clauses start appearing all over social media and in homes across the world. But somewhere between the ghouls and garlands, we seemingly forget that another holiday is still sitting there waiting for its turn–Thanksgiving.

Honestly, I can understand it. I love Christmas. There’s something wonderful about seeing the decorations, fluffing the tree, and feeling like everything feels just a bit more magical.

But sometimes I feel bad for Thanksgiving, like it never really gets a fair shake.

Thanksgiving seems to have that “middle child” syndrome. Halloween gets the spooky festivities, Christmas has at least an entire month of celebrating–sometimes more–and Thanksgiving is sitting quietly in the corner, hoping someone remembered to thaw the turkey.

Beyond decoration and holiday excitement, I think Thanksgiving has something special about it that deserves a little more attention.

Making Room for Gratitude

Being thankful doesn’t mean pretending the world is always sunshine and lollipops. If we’re honest, it’s a difficult place to live sometimes. There are things that happen everyday that remind us just how complex, unfair, and downright heartbreaking the world actually is.

People are struggling. Some more than others, with things that we may never know about. Families have difficult circumstances they’re trying to navigate, and sometimes life simply kicks you when you’re down.

But, I don’t think those difficulties erase the good that still exists around us.

It’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s going wrong. Between the news, personal struggles and the seemingly endless list of demands life gives us, it’s comical how easily we develop tunnel vision. Before we realize, recognizing the little things that make life meaningful becomes a little bit more difficult.

Small things like having a roof over your head, being checked on by someone, a warm meal, or even the quiet times when nothing particularly exciting happens. It could even be a conversation that made you laugh for the first time in days, seeing a familiar face, or coming home to a little creature who is always happy to see you.

I think that’s something Thanksgiving reminds us to do. Not necessarily to overlook the difficult parts we endure, but to make room for the things that are still worth appreciating

“There are still things worth being thankful for.”

After all, being grateful doesn’t mean you have an easy life that’s perfect.

It’s recognizing that in spite of the difficulties and challenges, there is still something good worth holding onto.

Maybe that’s why I wish more people gave Thanksgiving a little more love. Not because Christmans needs to wait its turn or because I hate hearing Christmas music.

But simply because, there’s something valuable about taking a moment to appreciate where we are before rushing towards what’s to come.

The Christmas tree isn’t going to disappear anytime soon. Santa’s checking his schedule. And the inflatable elf village will still be waiting in your neighbor’s yard.

There is plenty of time for all of it.

Maybe Thanksgiving isn;t about having a perfect year or even anything elaborate to celebrate. Maybe simply recognizing that even in our imperfect world, there are still things worth being thankful for.

And I think that’s worth giving a little more than a day of attention.

More Soon,

Quill