We made it through Halloween and November 1st has hit. All the Christmas trees, ads, and decorations are coming out. Though there are still about two months before the holiday, the excitement is definitely in the air.

While I am all about decorating every square inch of the house and playing Christmas music nonstop, there is something to be said about the timing of it all. Once November comes around, we should look towards Thanksgiving and appreciate everything we have been blessed with. When we skip over it and go straight to Christmas -immediately asking for more: more money, more experiences, more things that we think we need- we are forgetting to be grateful for the things we have.

Thanksgiving is such a blessing because it's a time for family, friends, neighbors, and everyone around us to share their gratitude for the past year and the things that came along with it. It's a time that we are reminded to stop and reflect on our lives, not to ask anything of anyone, but to really appreciate everything before us.

A tradition in my family is to go over to my uncle's house where cousins, second cousins, their kids, our neighbors, childhood friends, and anybody who walks through the door is family. Right before dinner, 30+ people circle up and we pray before we eat. We also go one-by-one around the circle and say what we are thankful for. Now, at first it felt like an eternity, but once I stopped thinking about "getting it over with" and started really listening and hearing the beautiful things everyone is thankful for, it reminds me just how amazing this time of year is.

Again, I love Christmas. I'm all about partaking in every tradition, but remember to be thankful and content with what you have. Don't merely skip over the holiday because it's not as "glamorous" or as fun as getting presents or sipping hot chocolate. Start reflecting on what you have to be thankful for.

I challenge you for the rest of the month of November, before going to bed, write down three things that you are grateful for that day. It takes less than three minutes so there's no excuse not to do it. I've taken this up as a habit and I am much better for it! Give it a try and see how your perspective changes throughout the month of November leading up to Thanksgiving.