Thanksgiving 2020 will likely include change for most people. This year has come with lost jobs, changes in school, sports and even how we do friendships and family. For many, retirement has been impacted, and plans for college and the future as well. In addition, many people have not been able to spend time with their elderly loved ones, some of whom may have passed away during these last several months. There are many reasons to be sad this Thanksgiving.
That being said, while we acknowledge and accept feelings of loss, we want our children to know that sad and happy exist at the same time. We don’t have to be sad all the time when sad things happen. Feelings come and go and they all exist together. When you live in that flow of feelings, you heal each day as you experience the ebb and flow of life. Allowing your heart to feel, and teaching your kids to do the same, is living life fully.
As you plan this Thanksgiving, here are some things to think about:
- – Is there room at your table for a relative who may be alone? Make some calls and find out who does not have somewhere to go.
- – Could you bring a plate of food to an elderly neighbor who may not have family close by? (If restrictions are lifted, they may like to join you!)
- – Ask your kids what they would like to include during this holiday week. You can put time aside to play board games, listen to music, play video games, talk, color, draw, bake, etc. You can find out so much about your kids by participating in their interests.
- – What is everyone’s favorite Thanksgiving dish? Is it possible to include all of them so everyone has something they absolutely love?
- – Who are you missing? Who are your kids missing? Talk about that. Make phone calls or schedule zoom meetings with family and friends to stay connected over the holiday.
- – What are the highs and lows for each family member this year? It’s a great way to see what mattered to each person.
- – What are you and your children grateful for this year and in general?
- – Support your children as they express their feelings, which may be different than yours. Just being able to talk about things will make a huge difference.
Thanksgiving is a great time for slowing down, reconnecting and reflecting. Create and enjoy family traditions, grieve what was lost, and dive into meaningful time with your kids. Show them how to make the best of a hard year and how to get through the pain that often accompanies it. That is the wisdom they will share with their children one day.
My family and I wish you a blessed Thanksgiving filled with connection, love, joy and peace.
Traci L. Williams is the Founder of A Loving Way to Parent. She is known for her intuitive and practical approach to parenting. Schedule a free 15-minute phone consultation or contact Traci directly at traci@alovingway.com or 951-240-1407.