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Fall is definitely in the air. The wind has a cool crispness, while the sun is still covering us with it’s warm blanket. The days are growing shorter and the smells of autumn are everywhere. The trees are bursting with the most beautiful vibrant colors.

Then there is Halloween which can offer something to the young and to the old. Children love the excitement of trick or treating or carving pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns. Some people may enjoy ghost tours or haunted houses. I love a good ghost story. There are fall festivals with all sorts of vendors selling delicious food or handmade crafts. There is something for everyone if you enjoy any of these activities.

If anyone would like to share a ghost story, I would love to hear it. Maybe, someone could share how to make Halloween costumes. I admire anyone who is crafty and can create adorable costumes. Also, I must confess I am not crafty or a good cook. However, I absolutely love to read good simple recipes that even I can do. I know https://youtube.com is filled with all sorts of wonderful ideas for recipes or making costumes so if you find something please share.

Now, I am going to take a more serious note relating to costumes. There are times we all wear a false face. I have put on a smile when I was crumbling on the inside. I have laughed in public and cried at home. We all endure hardships and trying times. These times in our lives either destroy us or make us stronger. Perhaps they do a little of both. I wish I had bits of wisdom to share for those enduring hardships but I don’t.

My heart aches for those who lost so much during Helene. I marvel at people’s strength to carry on. None of us are exempt from devastating catastrophes. However, we can open our hearts and help others during these horrific times. We can reach out with whatever means we may have to comfort or assist people in their times of need. Kindness can always start with one person at a time.

During this fun and exciting time of year, maybe the best face we can wear is a smiling one. No one is immune to a smiling face. It may brighten someone’s day in a way we can’t imagine. Believe me when I say, it isn’t always as simple as this but we can try. Sharing kindness, though challenging, is always rewarding.

Remember Kindness is Meant to be Shared –

The Power of Kindness and Togetherness at Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a holiday rich in tradition, gratitude, and being together. It’s a time when families and friends gather together to share food, stories, and laughter. Thanksgiving is an opportunity to create memories that can last a lifetime. While Thanksgiving often focuses on gratitude, it is also the perfect time to think about kindness and togetherness. These qualities can enrich our celebrations and strengthen our connections, making this holiday more meaningful to all. This blog will explore how kindness and togetherness can transform this Thanksgiving into a season of giving, sharing, and warmth.

The Heart of Thanksgiving: Kindness and Gratitude

At its core, Thanksgiving is a celebration of gratitude and appreciating the blessings in our lives, big and small. When we focus on gratitude, we naturally cultivate kindness. Kindness flows from an open heart, one that recognizes and cherishes the good in life. Kindness reminds us to share what we have, not just material items but also our time, empathy, and compassion.

Kindness also reinforces gratitude by allowing us to acknowledge and value the people around us. When we take the time to show kindness, we uplift others and bring a sense of joy into their lives. This in turn, reflects back to us, reinforcing our own gratitude for the chance to contribute positively to other people. This cycle of giving and receiving enriches the Thanksgiving experience, making it more than a holiday but an embodiment of togetherness.

Togetherness: Building Bonds and Creating Memories

Thanksgiving gatherings are often filled with laughter, sharing stories, and a real sense of being together. It reminds us that we are a part of something larger than ourselves. We are a part of a family, a community, or a circle of friends. This sense of togetherness gives us emotional support, especially in times of hardship and reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles.

We live in a world that is fast paced, where screens often replace face-to-face interactions. Thanksgiving offers a rare chance to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with loved ones. We can talk, cook together, and participate in holiday traditions. These things can foster a sense of unity that strengthens our relationships. Time spent creating a bond can provide a foundation of love and support that will last way beyond the holiday season.

Simple Acts of Kindness to Embrace this Thanksgiving Season

Mother Teresa once said, “In this life we cannot do great things, we can only do small things with great love.” Kindness doesn’t have to be done on a grand scale, it can be done through simple loving gestures. Here are a few ideas for showing kindness this Thanksgiving.

1. Start a Gratitude Tradition: Before eating, ask each person at the table if they would like to share a story or something they may be thankful for during this holiday. It can be kept very simple, so no one feels uneasy. Some may want to share while others may not and that is perfectly alright.
2. Invite Someone New: If you know someone is alone consider inviting them to join your Thanksgiving meal. My son is away at school and wasn’t able to come home last Thanksgiving. Some friends brought him turkey and all the sides to enjoy. These acts of kindness are powerful and are seldom forgotten.
3. Prepare Food Together: A Thanksgiving meal is often a lot of work and require hours of preparation. Instead of doing all the work alone, invite others to help. Cooking together is a wonderful way to spend time together. It fosters teamwork and a feeling of contributing to the meal. If your kitchen is small like mine, ask that they prepare items and bring with them. That way they feel a part of the meal. This act of working together strengthens bonds between each person.
4. Share Your Abundance: Should you have an abundance of food, consider donating to those in need. Many communities hold food drives or have community meals for those less fortunate. This is a good time to donate food to the local SPCA Shelters. There is always a need somewhere, so share where your heart leads you.
5. Express Genuine Appreciation: During Thanksgiving, take the time to acknowledge those who have helped us in anyway. It may be a teacher, nurse, doctor, neighbor, coworker, family member or anyone who has taken the time to make a difference. It is always nice to feel appreciated and valued.
6. Remember the Elders during Thanksgiving: Getting older isn’t easy, you begin to doubt your own self-worth. I know because I am there myself. You can’t do what you once did and too often you are brushed aside. I am very fortunate to have my family, but others may not be so lucky. Take the time to embrace and remember them this Thanksgiving. If they can’t get out perhaps take them a meal or call them to let them know you are thinking of them. No small gesture is ever small when it comes to sharing kindness.

Showing Kindness in the Face of Challenges

Thanksgiving may be a day of togetherness and celebrating to some but others it may be a challenge. There are families that are facing financial and personal hardships. We may or may not be able to see what they might be going through. Always remember, we never know how someone is feeling or what they could be facing. Sometimes when someone acts out against us, we may not be the reason or the necessary target. It hurts us and the human side of us wants to retreat from them. I have experienced this, and it is so hard to stop and realize that the person might be going through something I’m not aware of. This is a good time to try more patience, kindness and empathy. It isn’t easy but we can try.

It is also a good time to remember Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. It is more important to show a welcoming spirit to your guests than a perfect meal. The food may be excellent but if it is eaten in an atmosphere that is stressful then rest assured it isn’t enjoyed. Kindness and laughter can soften tension in any room. So, remember to serve your meal with love and everyone will have a wonderful time.

Extending Thanksgiving Kindness Beyond the Holiday

Thanksgiving is one day, but what we do that day can continue throughout the year. We can continue to think of others and remember the less fortunate. To care about others in a way that radiates kindness and acceptance of everyone. To let people know that they are important to us and help enrich our lives. Thanksgiving shows kindness, gratitude and love. Here are a few ways to continue practicing Thanksgiving kindness in our daily lives:

1. Practice Daily Gratitude: Start a journal and write down things that happened to you that day. Think about the little things that made your day a little better. If we are only grateful for the big, wonderful things that happen to us we may live a disappointing life. Think about the positive aspects of your day.
2. Be Kind to Strangers: I cannot tell you how important I think this is. It is so simple to do and so rewarding. Be nice and hold the door for someone or speak with a genuine smile. Give someone a compliment or assistance when needed. These little acts show kindness and have a rippling effect.
3. Reconnect with Loved Ones: We all lead busy lives and so many times we don’t take the time to stay connected with our loved ones. Life is short and we never know how long we may have someone with us. Don’t regret not making that phone call or visit. Stay connected with loved ones and let them know how much you care for them.
4. Be Kind to Yourself: This is a hard one. We find it easier to be kind to other then to ourselves. We are critical of our bodies, our skills, and anything else you can think of. I spent my whole life hating this or that about myself. Now, I am old and wish I had been a little kinder to myself. Start by being nice to yourself and being nicer to others will be easier.

Conclusion: Thanksgiving a Season of Kindness and Togetherness

This Thanksgiving, let kindness and togetherness be the foundation of your celebration. By focusing on these values, you can create an atmosphere of warmth and connection that extends beyond the holiday. Thanksgiving is not only a time to give thanks but also an opportunity to give back, to help others, and to spread kindness.

Each small act of kindness has the potential to inspire, connect, and heal our relationships. So, as we gather around the table this year be thankful for those joining us. Make them feel welcome and happy to be a part of this special day. The best dish is love and kindness. Thank you for coming to my house and visiting for a while. I wish you all a very special Thanksgiving.

The Magic of Christmas: Opening Our Hearts to Its True Meaning

Christmas truly is a magical time of year, and seeing it through the eyes of young believers is an unparalleled joy. Even as an older woman, I remain young at heart when it comes to this season. I never grow tired of the twinkling lights, the festive decorations, and the timeless music. There’s an undeniable excitement in the air as people bustle about, selecting gifts for their loved ones. As a cherished Christmas song suggests, if every day could be like Christmas, those acts of love and kindness might extend far beyond the holiday season.

Some people believe in miracles, while others may not. But I believe that when we open our hearts to goodness, extraordinary things can happen. Let me share a personal story from one Christmas season that I hold dear.

At the time, I was working part-time at a post office near a male prison. One morning, while sorting mail, I found the back of an envelope. I assumed it had been torn apart by the sorting machine and set it aside. A day or so later, I came across the front of the envelope and a money order addressed to a prisoner. The pieces matched perfectly. I taped the envelope back together, included a note explaining what had happened, and shared my belief that this was a small Christmas miracle.

Later that week, the inmate wrote back, sharing that the money order had been sent by his mother. He expressed his belief in the miracle and included a stunning drawing of an angel. That drawing touched my heart deeply and has stayed with me ever since.

The Power of Small Miracles

In life, we often focus on finding grand miracles, overlooking the small ones happening all around us. Simple acts—a kind word or a thoughtful gesture—can make a world of difference. I’ve battled depression and experienced moments of deep sadness. On one such day, the phone rang, and the caller simply said, “God loves you.” Surprised, the person confessed they didn’t know why they felt compelled to say that. But to me, it felt like a divine message when I needed it most.

We all possess the ability to bring light to someone’s day. It doesn’t require money, only a willingness to care and to give a piece of ourselves to others.

The Spirit of Giving

In our community, a program called Christmas Mother ensures families in need can experience the joy of the season. Families can sign up for assistance, and volunteers work tirelessly to spread cheer. As a child, our Christmas celebrations were modest—simple gifts, oranges, and mixed nuts. My parents did the best they could, but returning to school and hearing classmates talk about their elaborate celebrations sometimes stung.

As an adult, I’ve experienced loneliness during the holidays, especially as a single parent when my daughter spent Christmas with her father. It was the hardest day of the year, but I found comfort in knowing she was having a wonderful time. While this season can be magical, it’s also a challenging time for many—those who are lonely, grieving, or carrying heavy burdens.

Finding Joy in the Simple Things

The lessons in beloved Christmas specials resonate deeply. Linus from A Charlie Brown Christmas reminds us of the true meaning of the season. The Grinch discovers that Christmas isn’t about presents or decorations, but the love and spirit in our hearts. Mickey and Minnie’s selflessness in giving up their prized possessions to buy gifts for one another reflects the purest form of giving.

These stories remind us that Christmas is about so much more than material things. It’s about love, kindness, and connection.

A Lesson in Giving

One of the most touching Bible passages about giving is the story of the widow who donated her last coin. Jesus explained to His disciples that while others gave out of their abundance, she gave everything she had, showing true devotion. This story reminds us that it’s not the size of the gift that matters, but the heart behind it.

As we celebrate this season, let’s remember that someone out there could use a helping hand. Whether it’s a kind gesture, a thoughtful gift, or simply a listening ear, we have the power to make a difference.

Closing Wishes

To everyone reading this, I wish you joy and peace this Christmas, no matter your circumstances. May we all open our hearts to the true meaning of the season and share love and kindness with those around us.

Love to you all, and may this Christmas bring miracles, big and small, into your life.