It is Thanksgiving week, and most of us are in the throes of preparing food, readying our homes, and getting ready to welcome, or be welcomed, into the homes of family and friends. While this can be a joyous time, it can also be stressful. Now, I know that I do not need to tell you that!

I think we can use a reminder about being a good guest and/or a good host. At least, I can use a reminder! As I have mentioned in my blogs before, I write what I need to remember, and am honored when my words are meaningful to others.

Most likely we can all remember when someone said something at family events such as Thanksgiving that hurt our feelings, and we have not forgotten those words. And memories of them come back in full force when we are going to be with the ones who uttered those words.

While it may be hard to do so, I encourage us to put those words and those hurts behind us and commit to enjoying our time together with family.  Most of us will be gathering without some of our loved ones who used to be with us, and we should honor their memory by making this time together a time of joy.  

Mike and I hosted our family’s Thanksgiving gathering in Raleigh for most of the past thirty-five years, until 2022. We no longer have our home in Raleigh that can accommodate our large family. Last year we went to the beach, and this year we will be gathering in Maryland.  

Let’s remember how much effort and work goes into making a Thanksgiving gathering happen. The planning, the shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, and all of the other necessary tasks, do not happen without the Herculean effort of many people, especially the hosts. Not to mention the costs. And this is true even if all contribute. Shame on us if we fail to honor the gift of hosting a gathering that brings family together.

Some of us will not be gathering with family, but will be sharing the Thanksgiving table with friends, which is now being called Friendsgiving, instead of Thanksgiving. Regardless of whether our table is filled with family and/or friends, the message is the same. We should be gracious. We should be on our best behavior. We should want others to be glad we gathered with them for this important event. We shouldn’t do or say anything that can detract from the importance of gathering together and being thankful for all of our blessings.

I needed this. Hopefully, it benefits you as well.

Happy Thanksgiving. And let’s not forget to reach out and help others who are in need.