Giving Thanks

For weeks I've seen it. Green trees. Bright lights. Sparkling ornaments. Christmas has apparently arrived early. But I must admit that it upsets me to see the packed catalogs, toy-filled store shelves, and Christmas wish lists in full force. We have completely forgotten about the holiday with a universal message of gratitude and skipped right to the holiday of wishing and greed. We have forgotten about what we have and are only worried about what we don't have and badly desire. As someone who practices the daily mindset, "attitude of gratitude" it bothers me to see corporate America and the media focusing on what we don't have and what we can add to our own personal wishlists. Although some people view Christmas as a time to give, help, and donate, many people also view it as a chance to receive. Let's not indulge in cookies, shopping, and seasonal bargains, but rather let's overindulge in family, gratitude, and some savory home cooking. I hope that people will take the holidays with a grain of salt, realize that nothing is perfect, and look at them as a time to be together, laugh together, and give thanks together.

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