A Dream Thanksgiving: Reflecting on Personal Peace and Gratitude
Have you ever envisioned your ideal Thanksgiving? For many, it involves feasting with family, enjoying delicious meals, and expressing gratitude. But for me, a dream Thanksgiving would be completely different – a day where I could simply enjoy my own peace and gratitude.
Missing the Feast but Embracing the Essence
Imagine a Thanksgiving where I don't have to do anything productive. No cooking, no cleaning, no hosting duties – just me, relaxing in my own cozy space. Often, people rave about the joy of preparing and sharing a special meal, but that kind of Thanksgiving doesn't hold much appeal for me.
The point of Thanksgiving is about showing appreciation for those you love. However, my idea of a Thanksgiving is much simpler: to make dishes that I love and that express my heartfelt gratitude. Perhaps it isn't a traditional Thanksgiving dinner, but it is meaningful in its own way.
A Day to Myself
My ideal Thanksgiving would be a day where everything revolves around my personal comfort and happiness. I would spend the morning sleeping in, feeling rejuvenated, and then lounging around in my pajamas. I would choose to make dishes that I'm passionate about, ones that I've always enjoyed cooking but perhaps overlook during the holiday season.
Imagine being surrounded by your favorite things: soft blankets, fluffy pillows, peaceful music, and a cozy armchair. You might take in the warmth of a fireplace, read a cherished book, looking at your window as birds feast on your feeders. It's a day where you can sip on water or any beverage you like, and snack on your favorite snacks, completely at ease.
Reflecting on What Mattered Most
Thanksgiving is a time to reflect and give thanks. For me, this day would be a perfect opportunity to think deeply about all the things I am grateful for in my life. During this day, I would have all the time in the world to meditate on life's blessings and express my appreciation for the people and experiences that have enriched my life.
While Thanksgiving used to be a grand event with a dining room packed full of relatives, it's now a much smaller gathering. As my children settle into their own lives, Thanksgiving has changed. This year, I had to have dinner catered after having a total knee replacement. While delicious, it wasn't “my” food. Next year, my son's wedding will create a new dynamic, with his mother-in-law preferring to spend time with her own family.
These changes have made Thanksgiving a more personal experience, allowing me to focus on the essence of gratitude rather than the traditional aspects of the holiday. It's a reflection of the unique and personal Thanksgiving I cherish.