As October ended and November the month for being thankful began, I started thinking about the things that I’m thankful for.

I have a long list as I do every year, but this year my list changed and one thing stood out more than anything else. It dawned on me as the radio stations began playing Christmas music and a decorated tree popped up here and there. As the stores began replacing Halloween costumes with an assortment of Thanksgiving plates and decorative turkeys, the isles packed with everything Christmas glistened under the artificial lights. Facebook was no different, it became an outlet that boasted of the same, people started posting about Christmas movies on the Hallmark channel and how much they love watching them. I joined in on their sentiments.

One day as my husband was grumbling about the things mentioned above. I said to him. Do you know what I’m thankful for this year? In a tone that was still a bit grouchy, he replied “No.” My answer to him was happiness, I’m thankful for happiness! As he looked at me in bewilderment, I continued explaining to him and my explanation went something like this. I’m thankful that Christmas music, movies, and decorations makes people happy in a season (presidential election) that didn’t bring much joy. As the days progressed, unhappiness seemed to spread like wild fire as the votes came pouring in. Yet, I stayed true to my vow of being happy during the month of thankfulness. I refused to let myself get mired down by something that is out of my control. I have stayed true to my word because as Thanksgiving Day approaches, I’m still happy that people can find happiness from the smallest of things and that makes me thankful.

May your season be filled with the happiest of moments and may you too find a reason to be thankful!