According to Wikipedia, Thanksgiving Day is a national holiday celebrated primarily in Canada and the United States as a day of giving thanks for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. Prayers of thanks and special thanksgiving ceremonies are common among almost all religions after harvests and at other times.
Most of us love Thanksgiving because of the delicious food which is great but we need to remember and focus on more than just that to truly enjoy the day. So here are a few ideas that make your day special and memorable.
- Create a heartfelt Thanksgiving tradition with an Attitude of Gratitude! Our tradition is to allow each family member to state why they are thankful for this past year. Being in a state of gratitude helps the digestion process along with the mental and emotional benefits!
- Focus on family, not food. If the turkey burns or you don’t have the “appropriate serving platter, who cares! The day is about our loved ones and spending time together. Again, it is about thanking God for all He has provided and more importantly our salvation.
- Be creative and think outside the conventional high sugar and fat dessert box. Consider a nut crust instead of flour or cut the sugar amounts in half within the recipe. Traditions are nice but try a new healthier recipe that you won’t regret later. You may be surprised that it tastes even better than the traditional one. If you are searching for healthier holiday recipes, including gluten-free and dairy-free options, you can download our Healthy Thanksgiving recipes guide.
- Practice moderation in all regarding food portions and alcohol. Eating numerous different foods and ingredients challenge your digestive system. Be sure to take a digestive enzyme to support the stress you may put on your internal organs.
- Participate in a Family FSA (fun, sweaty activity). Ask everyone to bring their walking shoes and get out and enjoy the beauty of fall. You can burn a little off of the pumpkin pie as well.
- Turn off the TV, put the cell phones down, and play cards or board games. This is great FUN and provides intellectual stimulation for all. Most importantly it is a chance to interact with those you love and maybe don’t see that often.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7
