It feels silly to remind you that this year, the holidays may look different - we already know that! Many of us may not be with our friends and family as we typically would on Thanksgiving. Maybe our tables will be a lot smaller; maybe we will find creative ways to be together. Some of us may have lost friends, family or jobs throughout the pandemic; others may have welcomed in a new "quarantine baby." But no matter what, the holiday season is coming.
Last year, once my oldest was really able to write (legibly!) we started a tradition that my friend, Rebecca Plaisance - the publisher for South Charlotte Macaroni Kid - has been doing with her kids: the Gratitude Pumpkin.
The concept is really simple: beginning on November 1st, you write something for which you are grateful onto a pumpkin EVERY DAY. Yes - that means by the time Thanksgiving rolls around, you'll have counted a blessing in your life each day. And, when your whole family is doing it - you cultivate a gracious vibe in your home. Somedays, it may be something profound. Other days, it could be that you're thankful the marker came out of your white duvet. It's not the WHAT, it's the simple act of recognizing the things in your life that are good.
And, given the year we've all had - I think we can agree we all need more gratitude, more joy and more happiness. Who knows, maybe by setting this intention and setting the gratitude out into the universe, we can change the trajectory of 2020 and create a new path for 2021.
Want to join us in this tradition? All you need is a pumpkin (we prefer a white pumpkin - it's easier to read from) and some permanent markers. You could have each family member chose a color or you can all use the same - that's up to you. Want to dress it up when you're done? Find a decorative bow (black and white looks beautiful) and tie it to the stem.
Set it on your table at Thanksgiving dinner and remember, while you cannot control what happens - you CAN control how you respond to it.
Many thanks to Randy Simpson's Farm Fresh Produce for our perfect white pumpkin! Did you know that Randy and Tammy decided to also start this tradition at the produce stand? Please pop on by and add something for which you are grateful to our collective Gratitude Pumpkin so we can lift the spirits of our community and make the best of the rest of this year!
