Season of Thankfulness

Contrary to popular belief, Thanksgiving isn’t all about chowing down on turkey and sweet potato pie (although, if we’re being honest, that’s our favorite part). While the meal of the day is the most celebrated part, the real meaning lies in being grateful for the gifts that life has bestowed upon you.

Even if this year wasn’t your best, there’s always a silver lining in every cloud. As 2014 winds down, it’s important to look back and count your blessings.

Lots of people go to family or friends’ houses for Thanksgiving. If that’s you, guess what – that’s something to be thankful for right there. Spending a chilly November day inside a warm house with people you care about is one of life’s little pleasures. Cherish Thanksgiving dinner – it’s arguably one of the coolest meals of the year.

Plus, there’s a ton of great holiday traditions when you spend Thanksgiving with your family. Touch football games in the yard are always a great experience (even if there’s always that one cousin that takes it way too seriously and winds up tackling you in the backfield). Add that to the UT-TCU college football game on Thanksgiving evening this year, and you’ll have a full day of pigskin on your hands.

Watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade can be pretty awesome as well. There’s something about watching a bunch of New Yorkers freeze their tails off on Broadway while a Charlie Brown balloon floats overhead that really rings in the winter holiday season.

Let’s see, what else? Well, although the meal may not be the central focus, it certainly is the tastiest. You’ve got turkey, cranberry sauce, sweet potato pie, stuffing, rolls out of the oven, pumpkin pie, cheese grits….It’s the best food day of the year, with the possible exception of a July 4th BBQ. Be thankful for the food.

While you’re sitting around the table, remember to give thanks for the men and women that protect your freedoms. We just had Veteran’s Day a few days ago, but that doesn’t mean we should stop expressing our gratitude for our service members. It’s a blessing to live in a nation that allows us to voice our opinions and come together to be thankful for all of our different gifts.

We’re wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving. Go forth, play some football, watch some parades, and eat turkey! Just be thankful while you’re at it.