Don't Forget to Give Thanks in All You Do

By Mary Lee Caldwell 

Download this card design as a gift from Southern Holiday Life!

Turkey and dressing, pecan pie, discussions of shopping and football- sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. But just like the SEC (the greatest college football conference in the world), the fourth Thursday in November just means more. Thanksgiving is about spending time with friends and family. Unlike other holidays or celebrations, gifts are not typically exchanged, and the day is designed to be spent giving our most valuable gift to our loved ones: our time. 

I don’t remember all of the meals my family has shared together  over a Thanksgiving table; I don’t remember the  all of the games we have played or watched; and I don’t remember any of the great sales we scoped out for Black Friday. But I do remember the feelings of love, laughter, and gratitude. This is what Thanksgiving is all about: being thankful for the blessings in our lives. Blessings that come in many forms, but most often the greatest blessings come in the form of the people in our lives and the time we get to spend with them.

This past year, I have been writing articles in Southern Holiday Life’s sister magazine Lake Wedowee Life. Each issue, I have written about intentionality and different ways to live one’s life on and of purpose. It is fun to explore different ways to reflect and focus on goals, action plans, and advice. I love planning, and I love giving advice, so this holiday season I only have one big tip: be obsessively grateful. 

Spend the season seeking out opportunities to explore and express how grateful you are for the blessings in your life. The holiday season is the perfect time to spend extra time with family and friends, and make the most of it. Lean in to the season and soak up the true meaning behind each of the holidays we celebrate this time of year. This can mean different things for different holidays but for Thanksgiving, I hope you find ways to count your many blessings and express your gratitude. It is not always easy, but it is rewarding.

To get you started, Southern Holiday Life is breaking tradition, and giving you a Thanksgiving gift this year! Head to southernholidaylife.com today, and download a free Thanksgiving card that you can print. Use the ​cards to send to your family and friends, or keep it for yourself as a reminder to live a life of Thanksgiving!

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