This Thanksgiving Pass Your Values Along With the Turkey

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays! Isabel is coming home from school in Denver and Maddie is flying in from Kansas City. I’m so excited to have all of us under one roof.

The beds are made, the refrigerator is stocked and a bunch of old clothes are in boxes waiting for the girls to decide what to keep and what to donate. (Why not use the long weekend as an opportunity to declutter?)

This Thanksgiving is even more special as I am hosting for the first time in 20 years. Twenty-four people at my home! I had to fight with other relatives for this… but you know I’m competitive and I won! Never mind that I lost the last 19 years.

My mom will come early and help me and my girls prepare the meal. Three generations cooking together. I’m getting emotional thinking about it. And hungry.

There are some very special people who will not be with us this Thanksgiving. We can’t take for granted the times we spend together as a family. So, why not try something a little different this year? Let’s spend some time over dinner sharing our values.

I am sending the following ideas to my family this week so they can think about what they want to discuss. I encourage you to do the same – maybe you’ve got some great suggestions for your family. The only must-do is that you get your phone out and press that red video button.

Tell a family story, especially about someone who is not with us anymore.
What was a big decision point in your life? How did your values guide your decision?
Who made a difference in your life when you needed a helping hand?
What tradition or values do you most want to continue in your family?

You may be surprised at what we can learn from each other. Who knows, maybe this will turn into a new tradition.

All the best for a Happy Thanksgiving. From my family to yours.

Shari