What is the Thanksgiving holiday about again? O Yes, being thankful—a tradition that begun because Americans remember the day that Pilgrims invited Native American allies to feast with them.
The husband wanted me to write about my indifference towards this holiday and I said “no” because I thought it had nothing to do with the title of this post, but I realize maybe it does—just a little bit.
It’s actually quite a long story, so I will make it as simple as possible.
Here’s the thing: like most traditions, Thanksgiving day is a staple in a culture that helps us remember the important things in life. However, I’m indifferent in such a way that I do not grow excited in anticipation of it.
Well food is involved, so maybe I do, just a little. Is it bad that I look forward to the meal rather than reflecting on the concept of it? A lot of traditions have become this way: glorified in such a way, that the true value and essence of it becomes lost (like Christmas, but thats another story, another long debate reserved for a conversation with a group of very opinionated folk).
Essentially, the bottom line is this: because I think we need to show our gratitude everyday, in both words and deed, I cannot allow myself to give up that goodness to just one day. I can’t allow myself to get ramped up for ONE day and dispense all my energy into that ONE day. For what? For the sake of tradition? To then go on with life not being as grateful?
Despite my indifference, I join in on the festivities and appreciate the tradition for what it is. It brings people together, it helps people forget the wrongs and focus on the positivity in the now. Yes, gratefulness should be an everyday celebration, but when traditions bring out the best in people, dismissing it should not be the optimal choice of action.
Especially when its also a time for relaxation….
On a serious note though, is that even a real thing for parents: relaxation? True relaxation comes when the kiddies are atleast 100 miles away (in my opinion anyway; keeping in mind that I have a very energetic 2 year old)
But I digress…
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are some things parents should be grateful for:
- Your Children – this goes without saying. Who else is going to wake you out of your sleep, look up to no one else but you, take up most of your energy, wipe their boogies and every other mess on you and yet capture your heart all at the same time.
- Babysitters – no matter what form they come in (parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, friends, strangers etc) they give you the time you need to get away, regroup and connect with others.
- Technology – so what they know how to use your phone better than you. When your child decides to throw a tantrum in public, you’ll be thankful then. One more thing, don’t act like google was never your best friend.
- Child Independence – embrace it! Its the path that leads you to a more free life. When my husband told me our 28 month old didn’t need help pulling down and pulling up his pants after using the potty, I was so proud. All I have to do now is guide him there and go about my business without worrying about him playing with his pee. SCORE!!
- Fellow Parents – I don’t know about you, but when I go to those seasoned and unseasoned, but full of wisdom, I feel revitalized in my journey. I also find greater understanding of the complicated little soul called my son.
- Schedules & Routines – If you have not gotten on board with this, then do it now. Its not too late. My boy goes to bed at a certain time every night and gives husband and I the free time to do married people stuff or just enjoy the silence until we go to sleep to start it all over again the next day.
- Trader Joes – my saving grace on the “I don’t feel like whipping up a meal” days.
- Your Bed – enough said
- Date Nights – enough said
- Red wine – enough said
Happy Parenting!
Happy Trails!
Happy Thanksgiving!
Wife to an amazing husband, mother to an exploring toddler and an MPA graduate aspiring to impact the world with encouragement in mothering and in social entrepreneurship.
2 Comments
Celeste
November 26, 2015 at 4:15 amI love it! Always a joy reading your blogs, especially those about parenting because it gives me a little insight about what’s to come! 🙂
Normel Smith
November 26, 2015 at 4:17 amThanks love. :-). Hope it helps as baby Charles gets older :-).