Be Thankful, Gather, and Create Memories
by Hunter Dycus
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, what better to write about than family? It’s nearly the end of 2019, seemingly the busiest time of life. Between work, hobbies, family, friends, social media, new technology, and that cabinet you’ve been “fixing” for months now – it seems that we are always behind! We’re advancing every day, learning more and more, and putting more on our plates than ever before. I can barely get through my front door without dropping my phone, fumbling my keys, spilling my drink, and eventually throwing my hands up in defeat. Where do people find the time to watch The Office for the 12th time, work 40+hour weeks, take night classes online, get certified in CPR, cook homemade, cruelty-free, locally sourced, Kosher/Vegan/Paleo/Non-GMO pizza, and spend time with their friends and family? I admire them!
Personally, I think the best way to get people together is tradition. You need something fun to do every year that entices your family and friends to drop their priorities and spend time together. Maybe it’s a friendly game of football or playing board games around the fire at your favorite cabin. Challenge your family/friends to a cooking competition – who knew that Aunt Angie made such an awesome mac n’ cheese? How about a Tacky Sweater contest? Jump into teams and pick a “theme!”
Don’t forget your camera – these moments need to be captured! Just as important as capturing memories, is sharing them. Make time during your next gathering to reminisce and reflect on previous year’s memories -which can be just as fun as family football. Reflecting on past gatherings may even become the focus point for your future gatherings. I thoroughly enjoy laughing at my loved one’s mishaps…
We often forget the little things that make us happy in our crazy-busy lives. Don’t let time slip away from you! All the items on your To-Do List can distract you from what’s truly important – friends and family – the real people in your life. This season is all about giving thanks for what you have and surrounding yourself with the people you love. Who pushes you to excel, challenges you, stands by your side, makes you smile, and picks you up when you’re down? In your defense, that cruelty-free pizza probably does some of that. But, in all seriousness, those moments will be gone before you know it. Slow down this season and truly reflect on the future memories happening to you right now, if you let them.
Do you have a favorite holiday tradition? We would love to hear about them and see your photos!
