The Sunshine Report Favorite Family Holiday! Karen and Jay express their enthusiasm for Thanksgiving and the special traditions of this wonderful family holiday! There’s a lot to like about Thanksgiving! That’s why it just might be our favorite holiday of the year. Families coming together. Festive. Gratitude. Traditions. And without the intensity or pressure that can sometimes creep into the Christmas season. Just a fun time – to relax and begin to appreciate the goodness in your life. Plus, the day after Thanksgiving. That Friday. Such an odd and wonderful day. No real obligations. Just eat some more turkey – and continue to catch up with family and friends. At the heart of Thanksgiving is the gathering of families, near and far, coming together to share a meal and create lasting memories. It's a time when homes are filled with laughter, warmth, and the comforting aroma of a bountiful feast. This shared experience fosters a sense of unity and belonging, reinforcing the idea that family is a source of strength and support. Whether it's a large extended family or an intimate gathering, Thanksgiving provides a unique opportunity for loved ones to reconnect and strengthen the ties that bind them. Interestingly, in our family, we have developed a tradition that we call ‘taking in strays.’ In other words, there are always some people who don’t have a family with whom to spend the day and celebrate Thanksgiving. So, we invite them to join us. As it turns out, this has been a tremendously rewarding part of our holiday. Doing something nice for somebody else, making them feel welcome. And at the same time, adding some joy and spice to our own experience. In a sense, expanding our family. At the same time, gratitude takes center stage during this festive occasion, as we all pause to reflect on the blessings in our lives. The act of expressing thanks for the abundance of good fortune, health, and meaningful relationships fosters a positive mindset and reinforces a sense of appreciation. Thanksgiving serves as a powerful reminder to look beyond the challenges and difficulties, focusing instead on the positive aspects of life. This practice of gratitude not only enriches the individual experience but also contributes to the creation of a more harmonious and compassionate society. The traditions associated with Thanksgiving play a pivotal role in making the holiday a cherished and enduring part of our New England experience and more generally our American culture. From the iconic Thanksgiving turkey to the ritual of sharing what each person is thankful for, these customs create a sense of continuity and connection across generations. Families pass down recipes, stories, and rituals, creating a rich tapestry of shared experiences that link the present to the past. These traditions provide a sense of stability and comfort, reminding individuals of their roots and the enduring values that shape their lives. In our family – it’s who makes the mashed potatoes? Who carves the turkey? Who gets served first? And more. As families gather around the table, we not only share a meal but also create enduring memories and strengthen the bonds that make Thanksgiving a time-honored celebration. Through the years, this beloved holiday continues to be a beacon of warmth, love, and tradition, making it a truly special and meaningful occasion for generations to come. Read The Report Thanksgiving in New Hampshire   Read More The Spirit of Thanksgiving: A Celebration of 'Thanks for Giving' Read More Positive Profile of the Week: Sara Josepha Hale We think of her every year at this time because she truly was the motivating force behind establishing Thanksgiving as the federal holiday that it is today. She was definitely persistent in her efforts. In fact, she petitioned five different Presidents over a period of 36 years – in an attempt to ensure that Thanksgiving would become an official national holiday. She consistently communicated the following message to a succession of Presidents: "Our Thanksgiving Day, becoming the focus of private life and the virtues of the people, should be hallowed and exalted and made the day of generous deeds and innocent enjoyments, of noble aspiration and heavenly hopes." Finally, and thankfully, President Lincoln, in responding to her letter, on October 3rd, 1863, fulfilled her wish and officially proclaimed the day as one of "thanksgiving and praise.” Her legacy may rest with the helping of founding Thanksgiving as a national holiday, but the Newport resident is also known for her ‘Poems for Our Children’ and her nursery rhyme, including one that is known by nearly every schoolchild in America - “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” But her life story is fascinating in ways that go beyond Thanksgiving and Mary Had a Little Lamb.’ Born in 1788, Hale was more educated than many women of her time. Her future appeared bright as she married and up and coming lawyer in Newport, had five children, and seemed destined for a quiet domestic life. Unfortunately, however, after nine years of marriage, her husband passed away after riding his horse through an ice storm to see a client, becoming quite ill, and ultimately succumbing. As a result, she became a widow and a single mother, left to figure out how to earn a living and raising her five children. Undeterred, Hale pushed forward and accomplished the almost unthinkable for a woman of that era. She became a writer, sold her works and eventually was able to move to Boston and become a publisher. And thereafter - editor of ‘Godey’s Lady’s Book Magazine’ – essentially the leading women’s journal of her time. This little girl who had grown up in the small town of Newport, New Hampshire, had risen to become the leading female literary figure of her time – as well as the ultimate arbiter of taste and fashion in America. In addition, she used her influence as a writer and editor to promote the Suffrage and Abolitionist Movements and focused on children's education. She also helped fund the preservation of George Washington’s home and the Bunker Hill monument. Her legacy as a woman ahead of her time serves as an exciting inspiration to us all. And so, as we pause to enjoy Thanksgiving, let’s take a moment to give thanks to this incredible woman from my hometown of Newport – and extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs. Hale! Quote of the Week "Thanksgiving is more than a meal; it's a celebration of the diverse traditions that make us American. It's a time to honor the past, savor the present, and build a future steeped in gratitude and unity." - Ronald Reagan, 40th President of the United States     Jay Lucas | www.JayLucas.us  Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email Jay Lucas | 7 Portwalk Pl, Portsmouth, NH 03801 Unsubscribe [email protected] Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice Sent by [email protected]