Make Meaningful Thanksgiving Memories

What memories do you have of Thanksgiving Days? We got to thinking about one Thanksgiving in our home a few years ago. We had the family over for a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. We enjoyed the meal and were thankful for so many things, including being together. The next morning we were making breakfast and noticed a very strange smell in the kitchen. We searched the garbage can and found it was not the offender. It wasn’t until lunch time when we opened the oven door to heat up some left-overs that we realized the smell was coming from the green bean casserole which had been sitting in a cold oven since the day before. Yuck! We chuckled as we thought about this somewhat different Thanksgiving memory. Now instead, let’s look at how to make some meaningful Thanksgiving memories.
We learned that the first suggestion on the list should be to actually have a list of food being served and what traditions, games and activities you want to include so you won’t overlook things on that special day.
Something that can help to promote a peaceful, uninterrupted time together is to ask for an agreement that there be no cell phone distractions and no political talk or discussion of subjects that would put people at odds. Be loving and cordial. Now is not the time to reform anyone by trying to get them to do things differently. Accept them – remember no person or family is perfect.
Give thanks! Say a prayer of thankfulness or have everyone express what they are grateful for now and in the past year. You could make a Thanksgiving Gratitude Scrapbook where people write what they are thankful for and add to it each year. Also, you could create a book of favorite family recipes and include a picture and saying from each person. As a family, taking food to a shelter can be a rewarding experience and a learning for little ones. Some families enjoy playing games and watching or doing sports activities
We went out to ask some people what were their meaningful traditions and we met Pam Schwarz and her daughter, Alyssa, from Chanhassen. When we asked them what traditions they have for Thanksgiving, Alyssa offered, ”We make Thanksgiving dinner all day and then we watch football on TV. Afterwards, sometimes Mom tries to get us to go for a walk – to walk it all off.” I asked who does all the dishes and Alyssa said, “Group effort, usually the boys since we do the cooking”. Alyssa says that she is a cook, too, but not as good as her mom. Pam added, “One of our traditions is that Alyssa gets to make the apple pie. We started that four or five years ago and I try to get the whole family involved because it’s usually the four of us”. Another family member, Ryan, Alyssa’s brother, is attending the University of Minnesota and usually joins them. Pam mentioned that she is thankful because the children are near and can be together. Alyssa also added that she is thankful that she has been able to travel extensively to several countries and have exposure to different cultures.
We knew Pam and Alyssa would have some good ideas for Thanksgiving because we observed them getting some creative gifts for their two dogs, Lucy, a nine year old black lab and Nev, a chocolate lab who is only a year old. In fact, the gift for Nev was a Vikings jersey. Can you imagine what Lucy thinks of Nev all decked out in purple as they watch the football game with the family? Pam and Alyssa are thankful for family and we can also guess that Lucy and Nev are treated pretty well and are very thankful to be part of the Schwarz family, too.
Pam and Alyssa have suggested ways they make meaningful memories through traditions and we have also added some ideas for you to consider for your holiday.
Here’s a challenge: Take time to plan ahead for Thanksgiving this year. What traditions do you already have that you enjoy? What new ones would you like to add? Take some photos and videos of the occasion so you can look at them in the future and relive the good times. Make Thanksgiving a wonderful celebration by recognizing what you are thankful for and use traditions to make meaningful Thanksgiving memories you can cherish for a lifetime. We want you to know that we are thankful for you. We wish you the best and Happy Thanksgiving!

Chanhassen residents Doug and Lynn Nodland are Success Coaches and owners of The Balance Center. They can be contacted at WeCare@SharingLifesLessons.com

© Doug and Lynn Nodland 2017 Articles and videos may be shared in their entirety with attribution.