With break right around the corner, I’m hearing many people on campus talk about Thanksgiving. They’re often chatting about going out Wednesday night with their high school friends and Black Friday shopping, but I'm mostly I’m hearing about devouring Thanksgiving food.

I, however, will not be participating in the massive feast due to my picky taste buds. I’m always choosy on what I eat, and Thanksgiving food is no exception.

My Thanksgiving menu consists of buffalo chicken dip, corn, and cookies. It has never been about the food for me because I don’t really like any of it. But now, I’m learning this holiday shouldn’t be about the food for another reason. Even if you eat turkey, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and everything else, Thanksgiving should be a time for….well, giving thanks.

So many people forget to truly, sincerely, and genuinely give thanks on this day. While yes, we can be thankful for the food we eat and the football we watch, we should also be grateful for everything and everyone we have.

The past few years, I've pushed myself to send texts, emails, or handwritten notes to those of whom I'm thankful. I want to challenge you to do the same. I can't tell you how much more the day will mean to that person when they know someone is giving thanks for them. It's a game changer.

Let's be more intentional about living out the true meaning of the word “Thanksgiving." Tell people you love them. Tell them what you love about them. Tell them how important they are to you and why. Explain why your life wouldn’t be the same without them. Love people. Bless people. Make them feel valued.

Enjoy your turkey, stuffing and pie this Thanksgiving but focus more on giving thanks.