This Thanksgiving I want to challenge each of you to really look at your lives and be thankful for all that you have. As we enter the Holiday season we often get caught up in material things. Black Friday has slowly encroached on Thanksgiving traditions, and Christmas has become a holiday based around gifts, rather than family and friends. I think as we enter this holiday season we should all take a step back and look at all that we have in our lives that make life so special. I have always been as sucker for Christmas and Thanksgiving, but for me gathering around the table and having conversations is my favorite part. Getting to see my siblings and extended family make the holiday season special for me. So this holiday I challenge you to reconnect with that side of Thanksgiving.

So, this Thanksgiving here are some things to try, to make your holiday season truly special:

• -Let your family know you are thankful for them.
• -Try to talk to a family member you really don’t get to see that often.
• -Unplug and be present when you are with your family and friends
• -Spend more than just Thanksgiving meal with your family
• -Be happy and thankful for the time you spend with them
• -Be positive! Enjoy this time with your family, don’t dread
• -Help with preparing the meal; you’ll learn to cook too!
• -Celebrate your special family traditions and pass them on to others
• -Invite any Servicemen to join you that are at a base near you that can’t get home
• -Invite neighbors who may be alone, or others without someone to share the holiday with

While this may seem silly, I think being present and really understanding how the connections we make in life are the most important things to be thankful for, can magnify your happiness.

And if none of this makes your holiday full of cheer, head out to those Black Friday Sales and try again next year.