The 10 Commandments Of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Is Coming!

Thanksgiving is nearly here, and, although I am not Moses, I have 10 Commandments to help you and your loved ones enjoy the holiday.

For the last two Thanksgivings, I have had COVID and have been unable to celebrate. Banished from family activities, I have endured the last two Thanksgivings in front of my TV watching the football games in isolation trying to chase the metallic taste from the medicine out of my mouth. This year, I am keeping all the germs at a healthy distance, at least I hope.

As we feast on turkey and pie in the company of our loved ones, Thanksgiving gives us the opportunity to think about all the many ways God has provided for us. Many, however, have found Thanksgiving to be a chore, an unfortunate relic of a bygone era. Its yearly presence on the calendar makes them have to endure family members they do not care for and tolerate another cringe-inducing conversation about politics.

The 10 Commandments of Thanksgiving

On this Tuesday before Thanksgiving I am offering the 10 Commandments of Thanksgiving. If followed, they will make your Thanksgiving a very happy event!

Thou Shalt Give Thanks to God.
Everything you have, every ability you possess, every object you own, every moment you enjoy, are gifts from God. To properly enjoy Thanksgiving, take a moment during the day to say “Thank you.”
Th0u Shalt Give Thanks to God for Particular Gifts.
Generic gratitude is insufficient. Give thanks for particulars. What gift is the most meaningful for you this particular Thanksgiving? Is it family, friends, health? Is it your children, faith, new possibilities? Whatever it is, take a moment and turn toward God and mention it directly.
Thou Shalt Not Willingly Let a Friend Spend Thanksgiving Alone.
Having spend the day alone for the last 2 years, I can tell you it is brutal. Some years ago, it looked like I was going to spend the day alone, and two church families took me in. One for lunch, and one for dinner. I was well fed! I was also happy. If you are not traveling, look at the people you know. Will any of them be lonely? If so, bring them to your table. You will be glad you did. They will be eternally grateful.
Thou Shalt Not Pick a Fight Over Politics.
The 2020 and 2024 Presidential Elections were very divisive. Many of us have lost friends over our political preferences. Some are not even speaking to family members over their choices. This is, of course, a terrible idea. Do not cut off relationships with others because they see the world differently than you do. Remember politics is a very sensitive issue. If you can avoid the conversation do so. The only thing that can ruin Thanksgiving faster than finding a fingernail in the stuffing is, “Thoughts on the election?”
Thou Shalt Not Be a Grumpy Gus
Thanksgiving is about joy and gratitude. If your mood is as foul as 4-month-old milk. Get a grip. Knock it off. Start trying to engage with the people around you. Smile, even if you have to fake it. If you start acting correctly, your attitude will change along with your actions. Remember, only you are in charge of your attitude. If you are a grumpy Gus, it is because you are choosing to be one, not because someone else made you mad.
Thou Shalt Not Hog All The Dessert.
Dessert is great. If you eat it all it is bad form, and you might draw back a nub. I say this mostly to those in front of me in the dessert line. I can get rather protective over my dessert.
Thou Shalt Not Take a Dig at Your Son or Daughter-in Law (or any other in-law).
For some reason, southern culture is full of digs in disguise. If you find yourself saying, “Bless her heart,” just don’t. There are 364 other days you can can insult your least favorite in-law. For today just be grateful for the ones you like.
Thou Shalt Not Complain if The Turkey Is Dry.
Not everyone is Gordon Ramsey. The turkey might be dry, the green beans might be withered, and the ham might be cold. Do not complain. Enjoy what you can. Complaining is the opposite of giving thanks. If the food is not to your liking, find something else to enjoy.
Thou Shalt Enjoy the Company-Even the Kids.
Children on Thanksgiving are about as excited as a pack of hyenas on Red Bull. Hopped up on travel, dessert, sugar, and visions of Christmas delights, they are fortunate to be able to contain themselves. Under no circumstances despise this. Look forward to it. It is a lot of fun. And it will not last long.
Thou Shalt Tell Your Favorite Family Story.
What makes us joyful is memory, at least in part. When we remember our favorite family event, we share laughs. Shared laughter informs the present and increases wonder.