By Susan Ciancio
Growing up, Thanksgiving was always one of my favorite holidays, and it was mostly because of my mom and her amazing cooking. She makes the tastiest, most succulent turkey and the most incredible stuffing. To top it off (literally!), my dad makes a special homemade gravy. Add to that a wide array of side dishes and desserts, and my parents certainly set the scene for one of the greatest meals of the year.
But aside from the food, there was always something so warm and welcoming about Thanksgiving Day. The aromas of all the food baking, football in the background, and smiling faces just warmed my heart and settled my soul. It was all about taking time throughout the day to relax as a family, to give thanks for all of our blessings, to share snacks and stories and games, and to just be together. It brought us pure joy.
This is what Thanksgiving should do, and these are the feelings it’s supposed to evoke. But we also know that the holidays can be difficult for many people. So even amidst all the joy, we must be aware that there are many who are suffering, who have no family, who are sick or ill, or who for various reasons cannot be with their children.
I know firsthand that the loneliness can be crushing. But I also know the relief when someone reaches out and welcomes you into their home for Thanksgiving. No one wants to be alone on this special day. Knowing this, we must do what we can to make people feel loved, thought of, and even welcome in our homes and in our lives.
This is, after all, what Thanksgiving truly means. Christ gave us our families and a multitude of blessings. It’s only right that we should share those blessings with others.
So this year, let us remember that every person is a gift, let us remember to express our gratitude not only to God but to those around us, and let us take actions that will truly make a difference in someone’s life. To help you, we have created a list of 10 things you and your family can do together to make others feel valued, loved, and cherished this Thanksgiving.
- Call or FaceTime an elderly relative.
Not all members of a family can travel, but that shouldn’t prevent you from reaching out to those who cannot be there. Take time to call and let someone know you’re thinking about them.
- Share family stories.
Teach respect for the elderly by either listening attentively to their stories or by sharing stories that show how important they are and how they have blessed your family.
- Invite someone to your home.
Many of us know someone who doesn’t have family nearby, who’s going through a divorce, or who recently lost a spouse. Invite them over and make them a part of your family for the day.
- Visit a nursing home.
Take cards and treats to a nursing home (call first for their regulations). Take some time to talk with the residents and make them feel special.
- Prepare meals for those in need.
Volunteer to serve food at a shelter or take plates of food to a sick neighbor or parishioner.
- Donate items to a home for unwed moms.
Many young moms are scared and uncertain about their futures. Let them know they aren’t alone. Take donations of diapers and baby clothes, along with treats, and let them know that they and their babies are loved.
- Reach out to someone grieving a pregnancy loss or the death of a child.
When people are going through such sadness, they can’t even imagine celebrating a day of thanks. Acknowledge them and their child with a call, a card, or an invitation to join your meal.
- Donate to a food pantry.
In the days leading up to Thanksgiving, take the kids on a special shopping trip just for groceries for other people. Help stock a food pantry with special items so families in need can celebrate the day without the added worry of expensive grocery bills.
- Make an “encouragement” list.
As a family, sit down and compile a list of people who may need extra attention or special encouragement during the holiday season. It could be an elderly relative, a single mom nearby, a widow in your parish, or the lonely kid at school. In addition to praying for them, have everyone devise special ways to care for them.
- Create a gratitude jar.
To teach the importance of gratitude, make a family gratitude jar and encourage everyone at Thanksgiving dinner to add to it. Keep slips of paper nearby, then every day of Advent, encourage all family members to write down something that they are thankful for and add it to the jar. At the end of each week, read each addition aloud.
As we enjoy our many blessings this year, let us not forget to care for others. This year and beyond, let us turn our own gifts into blessings for those around us.