Thanksgiving. Can you think of a more meaningful word?  It dates back to the 1530s and contains the noun meaning “grateful thought” and the verb “to give.”  Most of us try to have a grateful heart each day, but this holiday reminds us all to pause, reflect and be thankful. 

My family celebrates the Thanksgiving holiday with the traditional Thanksgiving dinner (and by traditional, there is a salute to our Italian heritage with a pasta course!) hosted by myself and my husband in our home for about 30 relatives and friends.  Each year it is indeed a day of mixed emotions. We give thanks for our many blessings, remember those no longer with us and are thankful for the many years we shared with them, rejoice in any new additions to the family who bring joy and promise for the years ahead, remember those who serve our country and sacrifice each day for our freedom and enjoy those that gather around our table and share a bountiful meal, conversation and laughter. While the celebration indeed requires preparation, the result is a relaxing day with family and friends, football and we have incorporated a family movie in our celebration which has become a tradition.