5 Easy Ways To Make Thanksgiving Moments Last!

Eek!  It's here!  The holiday season has been speeding our way and arrived even earlier than we expected this year!  There's so much to do: Buy all of the food and gifts that need to be gotten, prepare the meals and decorate the house, start on the Christmas cards and find that wrapping paper in the back of the closet.  Oh and we really should double check that everyone's coming, and who was hosting dessert again?

Uh-oh.  I forgot something.  I just KNOW I forgot something!  What was it??!!

Maybe what we forget most of all is to just slow down, and appreciate each and every moment, each holiday song on the radio, each story your aunt tells you, each laugh from your sister, each smiley glance you catch from someone across the room.

We literally spend MONTHS getting ready for just 1 or 2 days on the calendar, so when days like Thanksgiving and Christmas arrive, we need to pause and let the 24 hours in the day happen as slowly as they do.  But how can we really do this?

1.  Start by not just saying hello and goodbye with each person, but spending time with each of them too.  As the day or evening goes on, go through your head and ask, "Have I talked with him yet?"  "Did she and I catch up on what's going on in her life?"  Make sure you've had a personal, private conversation with everyone you can.  It doesn't have to be long, but just make it real and meaningful.

2.  Be different and surprising.  Once the regular rotation of activities begins (table setting, cooking, eating, dessert, etc.), it's easy to fall into a schedule mentality where part of your brain turns off.  Shake it up!  Poke someone gently in the back, dance around the kitchen or make a funny face at someone across the table.  The more out of ourselves we can be, the better!

3.  Remind people that it's Thanksgiving.  Sounds silly, but there are times when a celebration can blend so much into other celebrations, and you forget about the holiday itself as the party goes on.  A simple, "Today is Thanksgiving" statement can be a helpful reminder to others to remain reflective and appreciative for all that the holiday encompasses.

4.  Share stories and ask others to share stories and reflections of Thanksgivings past.  You and they will reflect on so many happy memories, smiles will fill the room!

5.  Take pictures, and if possible, remember to bring pictures from previous Thanksgivings to dinner this year.  People will love seeing how much we and our homes have all changed!

Just a few simple ideas like these will really help you slow down and enjoy every moment of this very special day of Thanksgiving.  From my home to yours, here's wishing each and every one of you a blessings-filled Thanksgiving Day!