Five Reasons I am Thankful for Thanksgiving

During November I am writing or posting a photo about something for

Our time at the ocean brought us many treasures. There were physical treasures like sand dollars, exploring, and laughter. There were emotional treasures like memories, peace, and connectedness.

which I am grateful. This explains why.  My gratitude posting for Thursday, November 22 is about Thanksgiving.

I am thankful for Thanksgiving for five reasons. These are not listed in any particular order.

ONE. Family time. It is an opportunity to get together with family including new family members. Spending a whole day and evening together allows everyone plenty of time to talk, play, and relax. Relationships are deepened and sweetened.

TWO. Pumpkin desserts. Yummm. I tried two new recipes. The pumpkin espresso bars have an oatmeal almond crust.  I won’t make this again. It was okay, but not awesome. With so many desserts out there, I don’t have to settle for less than awesome.

I adapted the pumpkin espresso muffins so that my gluten-free, dairy-free, egg-free eating daughter could have a dessert to indulge in. Next time I make these I will add soaked raisins and walnuts. They were tasty! I can’t believe that they were gf, df, anf ef!!! Here is my adapted recipe.

THREE. Shared responsibilities. Five households were represented at our Thanksgiving Feast. And all five brought “stuff.” These items included wood, savory food, drinks, games, wind break, dishes, chairs, and of course snacks and desserts. Not one person was taxed with too much work. So no one started the day of feasting and fun exhausted.

Four. The ocean. At least I am assuming that I will be enjoying the ocean for 9+ hours on Thursday. I wrote this post Wednesday night because we are all meeting at Ocean Beach (San Francisco, California) tomorrow. I won’t have access to the internet tomorrow or Friday. The ocean is my most favorite place to be.

Five. God’s blessings and providence. Without God’s Hand of guidance and favour, the Pilgrims who came to the New World would not have survived and been able to found America. I am grateful He guided people then, and that He continues to guide people today. Thank You, Lord.

Your Turn . . . Why are you grateful for Thanksgiving? Share in the comments. Or write your own post for Friday’s Fave Five and link up at Living to Tell the Story.