Greetings on Thanksgiving Day. While a slight majority of the nation may be thankful this year, given the election results earlier this month, it may not be a topic you wish to explore.
According to a Pew Research study, 85% of American voters feel that they are totally misunderstood by those on the other side of the election. Perhaps you may want to institute a rubric to your guests that this holiday is a time for all of us around the table to be thankful for what you have or have done to further your spiritual journey.
Inside this week’s edition of The Tablet, we suggest a number of prayers you may use before slicing into the turkey and passing the cranberry sauce. Many Christian families take some time during the day to reach down and bring aid and joy to the less fortunate — helping at a local food pantry, giving out some of the fixings for a turkey dinner, or distributing dinners at the local food kitchen for those spending the holiday alone.
Perhaps there is someone in your neighborhood that you see at Mass who may have lost a spouse this year. Reach out to them to see if they would like to spend some part of the holiday with your guests rather than being alone. This is what communion in Christianity means — taking care of those who may be lonely and still mourning their loss.
These actions can help you celebrate your thankfulness for what you have in your life and give you a warm feeling of appreciation for life. Despite what Madison Avenue wants you to do — which is to have the National Football League games blaring in the background — and hurrying up your meal so you can get out to the nearest superstore and capitalize on the pre-Black Friday deals, take the time for reflection on more significant ideas and future plans.
This is the one secular holiday of the year where the time-honored choice of slowing down and enjoying time spent with family and friends should not only be indulged but encouraged. Seek to make a deeper connection on a personal level and take the time to explore how your company is doing in their lives.
An excellent idea may be to place a large wicker basket by the front door where each attendee has to place their cell phone. It’s a day where no one is reaching out with important information. This measure might be a great way to draw the younger generation to hear family stories that they could treasure years from now.
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
