I saw the video and the reactions of the children ranged from sweet to nasty attitudes. It made me think though about the expectations we have regarding gifts and how we as adults show our gratitude. So often due to the excess of material things in our lives, we don’t place as much importance in the smaller gifts, whether they’re homemade or just purchased on a budget. Kids take their cue from us, and if we’re not valuing the time and effort it took someone to make, purchase, or select a gift for us, why should our children. Take the time out and reiterate to our children how important it is to be thankful for all we already have and to be sincere in their gratitude for any gift whatever the size or cost.

 Now 27 years later, hunger and lack of medical attention isn’t just a problem in Africa but across the world.  In the United States alone, the U.S. Census Bureau reports there are 43.6 million Americans living at the poverty level or below. Please take a moment out of your day to reflect on what you can do to help your fellow man.  There are so many organizations which offer aid; perhaps one of their missions calls to you.  Let’s try to lend a hand to those in need because the problem will continue to grow unless more of us offer our help.

 What ever happened to Thanksgiving revolving around family and counting our blessings?  It seems our society has become so fixated on having the latest and greatest that we’ve forgotten the reason for Thanksgiving.  Please don’t buy into the hype, instead stay home, enjoy this time with your family and count all the blessings that you and your family have no matter how small they are.