As the Thanksgiving holiday approaches, Christmas-lovers often overshadow the season of thankfulness decorating trees, sipping hot chocolate and hanging colorful lights.
It’s easy to overlook the celebration of thankfulness when Santa’s workshop opens in less than a month, yet the cheerful atmosphere of one’s gratitude presents opportunities to give back to their communities, fill people with holiday spirit and give redemption to an overlooked festivity.
The thankful season deserves recognition and celebration throughout November, for the joy Thanksgiving brings to the tables with loved ones visiting. Time to give back to others shouldn’t be overtaken by the jolliness of Christmas in December.
There are various volunteer opportunities that can be highlighted within November as clubs and organizations give everyday necessities to homeless shelters, free food blessings to families in need and donating newer jackets as the chilly weather sets in. It’s times like the holidays that bring the community together by illustrating the beauty of contributing to a good cause.
Awareness for the people, places or things that have made a lasting impact within an individual can heighten the true meaning of thankfulness. As Halloween ends and November begins, Christmas-lovers are quick to initiate Christmas has arrived, however it’s ridiculous to skip over such an important time of the year to show gratitude.
Remembering the special moments throughout the year and expressing them on the day of thanks is key to starting off the Thanksgiving season the right way. Living in the moment, especially when surrounded by loved ones, rather than celebrating a holiday like Christmas two months in advance, is crucial in the betterment of holiday spirit as a whole.
Instead of hanging ornaments on a pine tree, create an autumn-themed pin board where everyone writes something they’re grateful for on a feather for the paper turkey canvas. Whether it be providing canned goods for The Salvation Army or complimenting a stranger passing by, positivity shared throughout November should not be forgotten within the last few months of the year.
![“The feeling I get is a sense of accomplishment knowing I managed to make at least one person happy by collecting,” Blake said. “Knowing what we collect and [who] it goes toward – people get a sense of accomplishment from that.”](https://farhar.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/BLAKE.IMG_9951.jpg)
