Things I’m Grateful for the Thanksgiving 2012

You know, there are quite a few holidays in the year, but Thanksgiving is my second-favorite.

So much about this day revolves around everything I love the most: family, friends, good food and lots of laughter.

There is football to keep us entertained in the afternoon and everyone has fun cheering their teams on!

Trash talk and teasing are part of the game, but family football fans get along even better when there is leftover turkey bites and pie involved!

The time spent together is worth its weight in gold, especially when everyone has such demanding work and family schedules. This is definitely one of my favorite features of the day!

1. I’m grateful for all the wonderful food

As far as good food, this is one of the few days of year where it’s possible to spend all day cooking and have fun with it!

Not only do you have the bacon-covered turkey, but then there’s the stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potatoes, loaded mashed potatoes and gravy, rolls and the list goes on!

Now, most of the time people attempt to be conscious of what they eat, but on Thanksgiving, those rules are thrown out the window. Even if you only have one plate of food, it’s probably piled high and you’ll need a couple hours to recover afterward!

2. I’m grateful for the football in the back yard

Since this is part of the fun, the afternoon football and baseball games that go on in the back yard are something to look forward to.

Not only do you get to dodge the plants and trees to make a touchdown at the fence, but you laugh and enjoy yourself as everyone tries to imitate their favorite NFL players.

Oh yeah, and you get to burn off a few calories too! Again, this is just one more feature of the day that I am so thankful for.

3. What Thanksgiving would be without dessert?

If you’re not eating pumpkin bars, apple pie, pumpkin pie, lemon meringue or something else delicious, then seriously what was the point?

Kidding of course, but later on after the outdoor football game and everyone is sitting around inside, there is nothing better than a great slice of pie or dessert!

Cool Whip makes an appearance on just about everything and you find room in your stomach you previously didn’t know existed.

Personally, my favorites are apple pie and lemon meringue and I realize that may not be entirely traditional. Pumpkin pie has been a fan favorite for years but it just doesn’t beat those yummy baked apple slices I’m so thankful for every year!

4. I’m grateful for my family

While the football, food and pie are delicious, nothing makes me more thankful than my family. Friends that are considered family and family members we haven’t seen in a while come around for some long-lost memory making.

Acting is just a way of making a living; the family is life. ~ Denzel Washington

Every day that goes by takes away more time we can spend together and it seems like the little moments get lost in the stress of everyday life.

On this day, however, everything is set aside and we recognize how much we love and appreciate each other.

I realize that not every country may celebrate Thanksgiving and I sincerely hope they have a substitute. There is nothing like putting your arms around loved ones, laughing until you cry and taking goofy pictures with everyone!

On this Thanksgiving, like all the others, I’m reminded how precious life is, how each moment counts and how much it means to wake up to another day with the love of my family around me.

These are just a few reasons why I’m so thankful for Thanksgiving Day.

How about you?

I want to know what you’re grateful for! Whether you’re celebrating U.S. Thanksgiving or not, it feels great to take a minute and think about what’s made your life better this year.

Let us know about it in a comment below.