The holidays are the best time of year. Even though the temperatures are turning colder preventing me from doing my favorite outdoor activities, I don’t mind snuggling up on the sofa with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
A big reason for this love of the season is all of the family traditions that come with it. As soon as the calendar says November, I look forward to our large family Thanksgiving gathering at my grandma’s house to eat a traditional meal around a table that stretches from the dining room to the living room. It is a gathering only rivaled by our Christmas Eve celebration, also spent at Grandma’s house.
This holiday season is especially exciting for me because it will be my first with my boyfriend Tim. I look forward to introducing him to all of the “crazy” family celebrations. I also look forward to getting to know his family’s traditions as well.
By the time you are reading this, most of the turkey and potatoes will have been consumed. While Christmas will be the focus of most people with all the Black Friday shopping, I wanted to take a few moments and remind people to be thankful for all that you have in your life. It doesn’t just have to take place on Thanksgiving, though the holiday serves as a great reminder.
I remember doing crafts as a kid, making turkeys out of our handprints and writing what we were most thankful for on it. With the hussle and bussle of adulthood, sometimes it takes a holiday to remind us of those things, because the good Lord knows not everyone is as blessed as I am. I’m not exaggerating. I complain about plenty of things I’m not so thankful for, but I know my problems are small compared to others who are experiencing major trials and tribulations.
So, the following are just a few things I would like to give thanks for. Hopefully, it will remind others of things in their life as well.
First and foremost, I am thankful for my family. The Rodgers Five has expanded since our days growing up in that little house in Garwin. My parents are the best, helping navigate this thing called life. Despite living in three different cities, my brother, sister and I have been able to remain as close as we were when we were all under the same roof. I don’t know what I would do without any of you.
I am thankful for Tim. Thank you for showing me I wasn’t crazy for waiting for a kind, sweet man to come into my life. You have shown me that being picky when it comes to love was not for nothing. Thank you for being my other half this past year.
I am thankful to live in this great country that provides me the means to live a happy life with an occupation and great people around me. Thank you to my friends who have supported me and accept me for who I am. I may not say it all the time, but “Thank you.”
Last, and certainly not least, thanks to God and our lord and savior Jesus Christ. I was raised a Christian and will forever be thankful to Jesus for taking away my sins so I may live in heaven with my loved ones for eternity.
No matter what you believe, be thankful for the world we live in and for those who are special in your life. Kindness and compassion are far greater and better than hatefulness. Remember that fact this season and all the rest as we look forward to a brighter tomorrow.
Contact Pam Rodgers
at prodgers@newtondailynews.com