Believe it or not, America isn't the only country that celebrates Thanksgiving. Canada, Japan, and Germany (to name a few) also celebrate Thanksgiving. Each nation celebrates its version a little differently. The customs, meanings, names, and dates vary per country, but the significance of the holidays are the same.

A large portion of the world does not celebrate this wonderful holiday and it is easy to follow the crowd when the rest of the world jumps from Halloween to Christmas. I want to remind you to take things one day at a time. We had fun during the Halloween season and we will have more fun during the Christmas season, but don't forget to take it slow and appreciate the Thanksgiving season.

With Thanksgiving comes friends, family, delicious food, and gratitude. Remember to be grateful for your loved ones. Be grateful for your life. Be grateful for all that you have. Don't forget that many people don't have half the things you do. They don't get to experience life the way we get to.

Thanksgiving is a day where we can all relax, unless you're hosting, and enjoy one another's company. Start your morning with hot cocoa and the Thanksgiving Day Parade(s). Tell your family you love them and enjoy a wonderful day of being thankful for one-another.

Also, don't leave Thanksgiving dinner early in order to start your Black Friday shopping. It's a little extreme. The sales and material objects will be there the next day. Our society gets caught up in the material items when realistically they are not important. So please enjoy the time you have with your family.

Eat too much food, indulge in too many pieces of pie, fall into a food coma, and acknowledge that you are grateful for your life.

Enjoy this wonderful season. Happy Thanksgiving!