Editorial: Being Grateful This Holiday Season

Date:

The year was 2013, and I was visiting my sister and my five nieces and nephews in Clarksville, Tennessee, for Thanksgiving. Her husband was deployed for the fourth time, and my mom and I decided to spend our holiday with them.

thanksgiving-2013
From left to right, my niece Brianna, nephew Daymon, and I. Photo by Kristen Melody

My mom and sister have some relatively serious health issues that make them allergic to many foods with serious side effects. On the day of Thanksgiving, Mom was in bed, sick, unfortunately, she was the only one who knew how to cook a turkey.

So, that day my sister and I tried to cook a delicious turkey and ham dinner with five kids helping out. It was a mad house of trial and error, eventually ending up with a turkey that was slightly burnt on the outside, slightly raw on the inside, and a whole lot of laughs.

I won’t tell you that Thanksgiving was easy. Beyond the lack of kitchen knowledge, there were times of sorrow and struggle with sickness, family issues, and missing our loved one, but my sister and I had a moment where we looked into each others’ eyes and decided we could do this. It was a time of intense thankfulness for the love and support we could give each other.

[pullquote]”I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” G.K. Chesterton[/pullquote]

This holiday season, there may seem to be an overwhelming tide of misfortune, especially with large gatherings of family members, but I would encourage a remembrance and closeness to the things that are dear.

Take the precious time to count blessings this year. Make the effort to forego the commercialization our society likes to associate with holidays, turn off the TV and laugh with loved ones.

At the same time, do not be afraid to be let down or to try something new. For example, Black Friday may sound like an over commercialized zoo of people who could be at home with their families, but some families go out together and have a great time. If you live alone, don’t be afraid to simply enjoy the holidays in blissful single rest or throw a “Friendsgiving” with a few of your closest friends.

gratefulAccording to Dr. Robert Emmons, author of “Thanks! How Practicing Gratitude Can Make You Happier,” there are three good steps a person can take to remember to be grateful.

Recognizing what we’re grateful for.
Dr. Emmons says that gratitude puts situations into perspective. Little fights that seemed huge because of built up tension are shown for what they truly are, inconsequential, when gratitude is recognized.

Acknowledging it.
Gratitude, Emmons says, helps us to realize what we have. Knowing what we have makes us much more unlikely to want more or complain.

Appreciating it.
Dr. Emmons says that gratitude makes us happier. I believe this to be true. Gratitude makes us less likely to complain which makes us more likable and effective in our relationships. Gratitude also reduces stress levels. Often, things we thought were problems become trivial and meaningless when we realize all we have.

[pullquote]”As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words but to live by them.” John F. Kennedy[/pullquote]

I will always remember that eventful Thanksgiving and that burnt turkey because it drew me and my sister much closer together, and my nieces and nephews and I had so many laughs. Hopefully, this next Thanksgiving will provide me even more chances to show the people I love just how much I appreciate them.

So, whatever your family or single tradition might be, enjoy this holiday for the love and thankfulness you can show.

Grace Baldwin
(Bethany) Grace Baldwin has an Associate Degree in Journalism from Angelina College and is working on a double major of English and Journalism at Stephen F. Austin State University. She thoroughly enjoys reading, writing, and has an indelible passion for words.

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