“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Collossians 3:15

Lately I have noticed that Thanksgiving is quickly being overshadowed by the capitalism of Christmas. Driving around in my town I have seen the Christmas trees outside of businesses, and the festive Christmas murals on grocery store windows. My television shows that were once one hour long have become approximately 20 minutes due to the constant commercials that plague us with the latest and greatest gadgets, toys and must-haves.

Where is Thanksgiving?

I have friends that have decided to start decorating their homes for the holiday season, each picking up a new ornament, a new gift and running up their credit cards to be ‘paid later’. There is talk of Black Friday, the movie “A Christmas Carol” and new eggnog lattes.

Where is Thanksgiving?

I asked a store clerk recently if this year we were foregoing the day of Thanksgiving because they were carefully placing new racks of holiday candies and baking goods as well as making sure the lights and signs were placed just in the right places for maximum viewing. She just gave me a nervous smile.

WHERE is Thanksgiving?

I have heard the complaints of parents who wished that they did not have to spend Turkey Day with their families–”oh WHY do we have to see so-and-so, what if they bring that person we hate, and I am going to be exhausted when standing in line at midnight for that new gift!”

Did you mean to say that out loud, people?

I live in a military community. I suppose you could say that it doesn’t matter what my circumstances are because it doesn’t effect you. I am okay with that. However, as you are complaining about what a pain it is to take time out of your life to spend time with others, think about those who wish they had the opportunity to be home with their families. Last year my family did not have their father home for Thanksgiving. This year he’ll miss Christmas.

What on earth are we teaching our children by our actions? I realize we should be thankful each and every day–but are you really? When the kiddos see you hesitant about having to spend time with your parents, grandparents and friends–what are they learning? How will you feel when they are older and by your actions they are completely comfortable with not seeing you?

Thanksgiving, for me, is not about the conflicting views of Indians and Pilgrims. We could debate that as a reason for not celebrating Thanksgiving all day long. It isn’t about the turkey or the football game or the pumpkin pie. It is about showing your children the joy of giving of oneself to others–being thankful for what we have, and not focusing our thoughts on what is coming to us the next month. If it is entitlement rather than thankfulness you are teaching you must switch gears quickly or your poor kids are going to be in shell-shock when they grow up and the reality sets in that the only people who think they are special is their parents. When it sets in that one must work for what they want. Instead of finding thankfulness then, they will find disappointment and bitterness.

I encourage you this year to teach the virtue of being thankful. Do not let this day pass without your children seeing and hearing what it is to give thanks to the Lord for His bountiful blessings. Pause for just this glimpse of a day to show your families that ‘things’ will never bring you true happiness, but true love amongst each other is forever. You know what they say about family, you love them, but you don’t have to like them. This is an excellent opportunity for your children to see amicable respect at work. This will ripple throughout the many people they meet and don’t care for.

Teach them the art of thankfulness, and celebrate the many blessings God has graciously given you despite the fact that we are all unworthy of His great sacrifice.

In the spirit of this message I would like to express a huge, sincere Happy Thanksgiving to all of you. May your blessings multiply and continue throughout the next year. May your children witness first-hand what it is to know love and the beauty of being grateful for the blessings they have.

Angela DeRossett is military wife, homeschooling mother, and an advocate for autism research. She also serves as the Heart of the Matter e-Reviews Coordinator. Angela can be found blogging at Homeschooling the Chaotic Family and Memoirs of a Chaotic Mommy.