21 Ways to Celebrate Gratitude During Thanksgiving This Holiday Season

Online, November 8, 2012 (Newswire.com) - Thanksgiving in the United States is commonly traced back to a 1621 Plymouth feast of gratitude for an abundant harvest. However, this spirit of gratitude often gets lost among the turkey dinners, football games and Black Friday shopping that have become yearly traditions in our culture. This year, Shelley Hitz, the author of the book series "A Life of Gratitude," is encouraging individuals and families to celebrate gratitude this Thanksgiving season.

She has provided 21 practical and simple ideas on her website to celebrate gratitude including sending a care package to a soldier and creating a journal of thanks. These ideas are easy to implement but can create a different atmosphere in your Thanksgiving gatherings as you focus on gratitude. Shelley states, "I have experienced first-hand the power of gratitude in my own life. This past year was difficult for me with many transitions, disappointments, losses and financial stress. But, as God led me to focus on gratitude, I noticed a change within me. And now I want to share what I have experienced with others."

Gratitude can be expressed in simple ways like sending a hand-written thank you note to someone who has impacted your life. It can also be celebrated within families through stories, prayers and songs. However you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving this year, consider adding some gratitude to your holiday season. Instead of allowing the busyness of the holiday to create additional stress, see this season as a time to celebrate...and choose to celebrate gratitude!

You can see Shelley's entire list of 21 ways to celebrate gratitude during Thanksgiving at her website: http://www.BodyandSoulPublishing.com/Thanksgiving