Thanksgiving is right around the corner! Thanksgiving seems to be the forgotten middle child of the holidays, between its moody goth older sister Halloween and its spoiled baby brother Christmas. Poor red-cheeked Thanksgiving, who is running around and making sure everyone is overfed, gets overlooked. So before you slip into a turkey coma and and wake up chanting Jingle Bells for four weeks straight, let's remember what Thanksgiving is all about and give thanks. Drawing a blank? Here are 11 things I'm thankful for to get you started!
1. The Internet
Can't live with it, can't live without it. The Internet allows me to research, inform, and communicate. I can do anything from finding out what Thanksgiving food I am (cranberry sauce) to keeping up with my parents, siblings, and cousins from just about anywhere. I am so thankful for this technology!
2. My Family
They keep me grounded, pick me up, and let me know I'm loved. We are a loud, dramatic bunch. Mom and Dad, thanks for putting up with all four of us. The rest of you, thanks for helping me cause trouble.
3. Food
I love food, okay?! Cooking food, eating food, sharing food with friends. It's my number one way of showing affection, honestly. I'm thankful for being well-fed and being able to feed others.
4. Cold, Rainy Weather
Some might disagree, but I just love the cooler weather that Fall brings. Maybe it's the weather, maybe it's the fact that I look adorable in sweaters. I am thankful for rainy days.
5. Books
I. Love. To. Read. There's nothing else quite the same as slipping into another world between the pages of a good book. There's no other way to visit different places and worlds or even different times. I'm thankful for these lovely paper time machines.
6. Dungeons and Dragons
Yes, I'm serious. No particularly deep reason; I just started playing with some friends. I get to see them more often than I did before, and I'm having more fun than I've had in a while. I'm thankful for games that bring people together. Especially if it's to fight goblins.
7. Coffee
What more can I say about this wondrous drink that has not already been said by better men than I? Coffee is the closest we come in this world to a magical potion. Just the smell can lift my spirits. Here's to the magical drink!
8. Jared Padalecki
Incredible actor, my inspiration, and actual sunshine in human form. And that's only skimming the surface of the amazing man that is Jared Padalecki. I am so thankful to Jared for reminding me to Always Keep Fighting every day, no matter what is keeping me down.
9. Friends Who Understand Me
Let's face it, we're all a little weird in our own ways. I'm thankful to have found people whose weirdness matches up with my own. Thanks for being there when I need a shoulder to cry on, laughing at my jokes even (especially) when they are not funny, and going on adventures both large and small.
10. My Faith
I am thankful to God for all I have and all that I am. I am thankful to be able to receive Him in the Eucharist. I am thankful for the ocean of His mercy, for His forgiveness, and for His patience. I am thankful for His strength and steadfastness when I have none. To Him be all Glory and Honor and Praise for ever and ever. Amen!
11. Coke Freestyle Machines
Surprised? You shouldn't be. The Coca-Cola Freestyle Machine is without a doubt the greatest invention of the 21st century. Nothing else compares. The flavor combinations are virtually endless. There are so many options, you are in control, and you have the chance to achieve flavor Nirvana in a cardboard cup! Thank you, Coca-Cola company. Thank you.
No matter what you are thankful for, large or small, sublime or ridiculous, remember to stop for a moment this week and be thankful for what you have. When you take that time to stop and think, you realize how truly blessed you are. Have a Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
