My Thanksgiving Day Wishes from Australia

Thanksgiving is the time when friends and family gather together to give thanks and commemorates a harvest festival celebrated by the Pilgrim Fathers in 1621 It is held in the US on the fourth Thursday in November.

As I write this post I had intended to write for our friends in North America who are celebrating their Thanksgiving holiday.  However, just because I live in another country, doesn’t mean I can’t be thankful for all that I have in life.

My message on this Thanksgiving Holiday is to ALL WHO READ THIS WHEREVER YOU LIVE.

With so much sadness and anger in the world, why not take time to pause and reflect on all the good that you have.  We shouldn’t need a day to remind us but if we do then let’s make sure we do think about more than just ourselves.

I think we need a kindess campaign – idealistic thinking but if we all did one act of kindness each day surely the world would be a better place.

As an Australian we don’t celebrate Thanksgiving unless you are an expat of the United States.  I have however visited the East Coast of America during the Thanksgiving Holidays and was swept up in the excitement and generosity of spirit.

Here are 4 things I love about the Thanksgiving Holiday

1. A time to give thanks

Although we should be grateful for all that we have each day, it is quite easy to get caught up in life.  We are so busy we sometimes forget to take time to pause, reflect and give thanks for all the good things in our lives.  Our family, friends, health, food and life itself.  Simple really, but sometimes forgotten in the stresses of the day.

I love that at least for one day during the year, people actually stop and give thanks for what they have.

2. Family & Friends

In Australia, Christmas is usually the time that families and friends ensure they are together, however, Thanksgiving is a holiday that families in the U.S. will not miss being together.

I was on a bus from New York to Boston on Thanksgiving Day.  It was cold and rainy, however everyone was in high spirits as they travelled to their family Thanksgiving Dinner.  I heard snippets of phone conversations advising time of arrival and the excitement in the voices was contagious.  I was caught up in the atmosphere.

Even though we were going to a hotel with no family, we were warmly greeted and made welcome into the ‘hotel family’.  Everyone is so welcoming to strangers as they extend the hand of friendship and kindness.

3. Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

I love the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.  I was in New York a few days before and witnessed the preparations and reshearsals.  In Australia, we don’t have many parades but Macy’s and New York certainly know how to put on a show!  Huge floats, costumes, balloons, bands it is all there.  People line up from early morning to have a front row place and the children’s eyes are shining with excitement – even the adults are smiling and feeling good.

4. Food

Oh the food!  The turkey with stuffing, mashed potatoes, glazed carrots, cranberry sauce, cornbread, followed by pumpkin pie.

So on this Thanksgiving Holiday I wish everyone peace, love and happiness not only today but each day, because we could certainly use a good share of that this year.

Let’s Keep Sizzling!