Cornucopia Coloring Books.

“Thanksgiving is around the corner. What are you thankful for?”

My first grade self sighs at Miss Talbert’s over-enthusiasm for such a trivial holiday. Really? A day based solely upon gluttonous behavior? I recite back to her the words my Sunday school teacher had repeated nearly thirty times that past Sunday. “I’m thankful that Jesus died for my sins.” She smiles and claps vigorously. This was her first year teaching, and though her sickeningly sweet perfume came off of her in waves, we could still smell her fear of failure. The kids had yet to break her excitement to ‘teach about the holidays’. I honestly didn’t know what I was so much more grateful for today than any other day. I liked my parents. Though my cat would scratch me whenever I came into contact with her, I had a pet. It didn’t seem any different except for the fact that we were coloring Cornucopias instead of doing simple math.

To this day, after ten more years to contemplate the meaning of Thanksgiving, I still draw a blank. When asked “Talia, what are you thankful for?” I still give the generic answer like “Family.” Everyone claps or nods, I sit down, and life goes on. 

There’s so much more I want to say though. I’m thankful for…

• The slipcover on hot pockets, so you don’t burn your hand.
• 80s Hair Bands
• The eggs you crack and find two yolks in.
• Dr.Seuss books.
• The little plastic thing in swimsuit bottoms for when you try them on.
• The snooze button.
• The satisfying crunch of Pringles.
• That pair of jeans that makes your butt look awesome.
• Pizza Delivery.
• The stress-relieving effects of bubble wrap.
• Hello Kitty band-aids.
• That the seats on an airplane can be used as a flotation device. 
• Snow days.
• Laughing so hard that you have to check if you peed a little.
• Christian Bale’s Batman voice.

I could continue writing these until the sun spontaneously combusts, but it would be unnecessary. I am grateful for all the little things of life. Appreciation should not be exclusive to the one day the federal government deems. Its continuous. Every day. 

Say “Thanks!” to the person that hold the door for you on their way out.

Smile at the cashier making your Pumpkin Spice Latte rather than grumbling about the exorbitant amount you have to pay for it.

When you’re walking down the street and you and an oncoming person try to dodge each other and go the same way… twice… laugh and say “Oh my god! We must be telepathically connected!” 

Whatever you do, do it with love. Love your world, the people in it, and even the carved turkey on your table. Be grateful for every day, every second, every breath.

Happy Thanksgiving to my lovely audience <3