Thanksgiving With Gratitude

Allow the former history teacher in me come out a bit…

In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln ordered that Thanksgiving be celebrated as a national holiday.  Lincoln’s declaration was an attempt to boost morale in the country in the midst of the Civil War.  

Due partly to my admiration of Abraham Lincoln, Thanksgiving is my most favorite holiday.  The concept of gathering with family and friends, around a table with carefully prepared food, and simply celebrating togetherness is one I really honor.  A few years ago, I was invited to attend Thanksgiving at a close friend’s house.  All of his family were there, along with a few smattering of friends.  This family has the tradition of going around the table, each person sharing one thing they were thankful for during the year.   The laughter, smiles, and even tears, as each person took their turn was heartwarming.  This act of sharing gratitude gave authentic meaning to the holiday that year. 

The Thanksgiving holiday gives us a golden opportunity to practice something that research shows is a core element of individual happiness.  Studies around the world, from all different cultures and socio-economic groups, have found that a common trait in people who are truly happy is gratitude.  The act of gratitude allow us to take the time and think about those things for which we are truly grateful.   The daily act of gratitude can allow us to recognize both the significant and the little (or what may seem trivial) things that we are thankful for in our lives.  Practicing gratitude is also a component of mindfulness.

So, allow me to share with you my list of things (large and small) that I am grateful for:

I am grateful for my health.
I am grateful to be doing a job that I love.
I am extremely grateful for being able to work with an outstanding group of educators, parents, and children.
I am grateful for the rain, which falls heavily as I write this.
I am grateful for having a close knit group of friends.
I am grateful to be part of such an amazing, caring, and generous community like Covington.

Wishing you and your family a wonderful Thanksgiving break.

Wade Spenader, Principal