Holiday Etiquette: Thanksgiving Blessings and Gratitude

This Thanksgiving I’m taking inventory of a few people and things I’m extremely grateful for, for blessings and gratitude. Who and what is on your T-H-A-N-K-S-G-I-V-I-N-G list this year?

T – My Twitter friends! Yes, Twitter is my first gratitude bullet (because T is the first letter of Thanksgiving!), and while some who do not appreciate the importance of social media may not understand, I have met some wonderful people through this venue and built relationships that have impacted my life in such a positive way. While I don’t have enough room to mention each and every one of them, I am continuously amazed by the power of 140 characters. To all my Twitter friends, I am better for having met you.

H – Health, healing and hope: Because after extensive challenges with all three, I am proof that hope (prayer and a few good doctors) can heal your health. And, of course, my husband, the best soccer mom I know. A shiny new minivan could be in your future…(NOT). Oh, and I am grateful for hugs, hugs and more hugs (not necessarily in business…but sometimes!)

A – A is also for the apple pie that my neighbor always brings over during the holiday season (may this serve as a friendly reminder that I am anxiously waiting).

N – Noodles, nachos and Nutty Bars by Little Debbie. Yikes, I’m a junk food lover!

K – My kids, who I love beyond words. I continue to pray that you realize that there are endless opportunities to make a difference in this world. Just do the right thing and you will never lose your way.

S – Sylvia, Lisa and Marcia for celebrating multiple years of Christmas Tea. I love our annual tradition.

G – Gifts, gifts and gifts. The gift of time, the gift of service and the gift of compassion, today, tomorrow and forever.

I – Invitations. I love receiving beautiful cards in the mail that request the presence of my company. Handwritten, hot stamped, or engraved, it doesn’t matter, it’s the thought that counts. The truth is, I appreciate all cards I receive in the mail, handwritten, heartfelt and sincere, please.

V – Vacation travel and the flu vaccine. I couldn’t make it through winter without either one of these.

I – Integrity. Without it, nothing else matters.

N – My nanny Claudia, who has been with me for 15 years and is a part of my family. She cares more about whether or not I take my morning multivitamin than I do.

G – Geoff, my best friend and my children’s godfather, who has been with us for so many years, so many memories and so much fun! I am eternally grateful for “U” in our life.

Whatever is on your list this year, remember that Thanksgiving is not just about one day. It’s about a daily celebration of small blessings and gratitude that spans a lifetime. If you are reading this now, I am grateful for you. God bless you and Happy Thanksgiving.