Family. The history. The present. The future. What have you done to create good memories? What have you done to leave a legacy? What could you do or have done better? Lastly, what will you do after reading this article? Thanksgiving is this week and instead of me talking about the best way to prepare a Turkey or why to purchase the biggest TV that can fit in the car, I wanted to talk about La Familia (The Family).
The holiday season is one of a few times the entire family comes over and sometimes the last. I have lost 3 family members this year and all I can think about is how last year they were here. A get-together is a fantastic opportunity to tell your family something positive, helpful, and encouraging.
Bonding with the family is especially important because this bond goes from generation to generation and can be instrumental in us forming non-family relationships. There will be issues that come to separate us from the family, but we must find our way right back, because this relationship is forever and is key to our successes and attitudes. Knowing where you come from has a significant impact on where you could go.
So, here are a few things you can do to have an enjoyable time and bond with your family on Thanksgiving:
- Have the elders in the family share stories about those in the past that have owned businesses, went to college or who had a desire to do these things. This is a wonderful way to see if your dreams and desires are tied to your family’s history.
- Give more responsibility to the teenagers at dinner such as, carving the turkey, baking a pie or have them share what they have learned about being a leader in school, on social media or in their own homes. This way you can make sure they know how important leadership is and help guide along the way.
- Let the children play Monopoly with their parents so they can learn the importance of owning property and saving money.
- Make a circle, go around the room, and promise to love, respect and lookout for one another and give them permission to call you in a time of need. Then, make sure everyone has each other’s phone number. This Is the only time I give you permission to take out your cell phone at dinner, lol.
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!