The Year of Experiences at PreEngaged is winding down and it has been a good one. It has been sad at times, exciting at others, and there have even been moments of despair; but, it has not been boring. When you make up your mind that you are going to live life in drive (versus neutral), boredom leaves you alone. There is always something you can do when you find yourself in a rut. It just takes some energy to get the car moving. Once it is in motion, it is easier to keep it in motion.
If you have also been enjoying a year of experiences, make sure to continue your celebration this Thanksgiving. We tend to love our holidays for the traditions they bring us, while also dreading our holidays for the same reason. Just because something is a tradition does not mean it needs to remain a tradition – especially if no one even likes it! Be the one to change the tide a bit – make small changes which will not overwhelm your beloved traditionalists. ~smile~
Consider the following ideas:
- Family Connection – Some will find this idea simply divine, and others will think it is the most awkward challenge ever rendered. ~smile~ Put the names of everyone attending your Thanksgiving celebration on individual pieces of paper and drop those names into a bowl. Go in a circle and each person pick a name at random. Then, take turns telling that person something about them for which you are thankful. It may take some getting used to at first, but what special memories can be created! You know what this means, right? Before Thanksgiving, you will need to think of something for which you are thankful in each of your family members. Best wishes. ~wink~ You can do it. I know you can. ~smile~ Make sure the day does not end without telling your sweetie all the reasons you are thankful for him or her.
- A Surprise Visitor – It may be too late to arrange this for 2015, but maybe in 2016 you could arrange for a family member to fly in or drive in for your celebration. Maybe a long lost uncle or cousin? It may not be too late if you have family nearby. Maybe you can help facilitate an impromptu family reunion? We can learn so much about where we came from by sitting around a multi-generational dining room table.
- A Family Project – What typically happens on Thanksgiving in your family? A lot of cooking, followed by a lot of eating and football? Could the holiday be enhanced and connections be strengthened if you, your sweetie, and your family got together and put communal effort into a worthwhile cause? You could all go to the soup kitchen and work together for a couple hours. You could all collect can goods. You could pull forces and help someone tidy up their home and yard. Selfless Thanksgivings are so much better than gluttonous, self-centered ones. ~smile~ If you desperately want to continue with your Thanksgiving Day traditions, maybe you could schedule a work day the following day or Saturday?
- A Little Less Work and a Little More Fun – or – A Little Less Fun and a Little More Work. You know how much effort you usually put into your Thanksgiving gathering. Maybe the bulk of the work falls on you, or maybe you enjoy a lazy day while someone else does all the work. This year, let the day be about balance so everyone can enjoy working together and resting together. Do not be afraid to delegate some work to others; and, if you are typically a Thanksgiving Day relaxer, be the first one to pitch in and help this year so all the cooks can enjoy some much deserved down time! ~smile~ If you are thankful for someone, make his or her life easier.
- Adopt A Pet – What?! Personally, I am thankful beyond belief for my furry poof ball. She is a lot of work and we did not adopt her on a whim. We planned for her several years before we picked her up. So, if you are not ready to devote the time and money needed, this may not be a good idea for you right now. But, if you are at a good place financially and time-wise, why not welcome a special pet into your household? After a rough day, there is something therapeutic about cuddling up with a soft, fluffy creature who loves you unconditionally.
We wish you an experience-filled Thanksgiving season. We hope you emerge closer to your family and more alive than ever! Maybe one of your experiences can become a new tradition!
What are a handful of new experiences you can sprinkle into your Thanksgiving celebration this year?