Contrary to Starbucks’ updated menu and the premature release of the holiday coffee cups, the next holiday to look forward to is not Christmas. Thanksgiving is sandwiched between the two highly-celebrated holidays of Halloween and Christmas, and therefore, is overlooked tremendously. However, Thanksgiving might be the holiday we all need the most.
Thanksgiving is more than just the perfect picture everyone posts on Instagram. This image usually includes loved ones dressed
Not everyone has the same experience. Personally, Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday for me and my family. For many others, it may not be as happy of a holiday due to financial struggles or family issues. However, Thanksgiving is not about making nice with your family for a day while stuffing turkey down your throat. This holiday is about recognizing everything in your life that you have to be thankful for.
The other day, one of my closest friends texted me out of the blue saying, “you are a really good friend.” I responded sarcastically, thinking she had done this as a joke. I wasn’t used to this kind of unexpected compliment and was confused as to where it came from. My friend then proceeded to say, “I like having you in my life. I wanted to tell you because I haven’t told you in a while.” This simple text made my day.
I then thought about the last time I thanked my friends for just being good friends. Then, I thought about the last time I thanked anyone for doing simple things, let alone my friends and family who do monumental things for me every day.
For many of us, going home for Thanksgiving either brings excitement or anxiety. It is incredibly important to consider the true meaning of Thanksgiving, regardless of the feeling going home elicits. Not everyone has a picture-perfect home life, and that is something to be thankful for. Past experiences shape who we are.
Thanksgiving is about acknowledging our blessings, big or small, and being thankful for all that we have. Whether it be thanking the bus driver, your parents for doing your laundry or your friend for listening to your homework rant, recognizing the good things in life and being thankful for all you have will surely impact how you see the holiday season.
As your barista at Starbucks hands you a peppermint mocha drink in the red and green decorated cup, don’t forget to say thank you. It just might be exactly what they need to hear.
