Even if It’s Different, It Can Be Special

The night before we left for South Korea, Orlando and Justin stepped out to grab a surprise dinner for us, while Ryan and I picked Orly up at tween camp.  By the time we got home, our dining room table was dressed with fall decorations and my husband exclaimed “Happy Thanksgiving,” displaying the full Turkey and sides meal he’d purchased from Boston Market.  Even though Halloween hadn’t even passed yet, we celebrated our own Thanksgiving Dinner just the five of us. 

I’ve been pondering how this Thanksgiving is going to feel for everyone. Will families gather? Will they connect via zoom? Will they be thankful or resentful on Thanksgiving Day?

I know things will look and feel different this year, and it’s affecting a lot of people. This is actually the first time in my life I won’t be in Miami to celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. 

But even though we’re all facing unique circumstances this winter, life is about choices. We make the best choices we can given the information we have, and then we have to accept those choices. Even when they’re difficult, we can still create beautiful memories. 

So maybe this year you celebrate the intimacy of a small family dinner and make it a tradition that extends beyond the holidays. 

Maybe this year you go the extra mile to be there even when you’re not.

Maybe this year you focus on being of service to others and you deliver meals or treats to people who will be alone this holiday or who don’t have the means to buy a meal for themselves. 

However you spend your holiday season, may you maintain a grateful heart for what is good today, and a hopeful heart for the good that will come in the future. 

A Moment Of Clarity

Even if it’s different, it can be special.