It’s that time of year again. When the golden leaves float to the ground and the crisp fall air starts to feel a bit more frigid. When the grocery stores start selling out of turkeys and families travel near and far to come together. This time of year could only ever be known as the holiday as old as America itself: the holidays.

Reflecting on the recent tragedies happening all over the world, in Paris, Syria, Lebanon, Kenya, or Mali, evil seems to be erupting in all corners of the globe. During this time, when terrorism is breading fear and challenging our faith in humanity, it is more important than ever to give thanks…to live thankfully.

The holidays are a time that reminds us of our American values, the beliefs and ideals that we hold dearest and what is truly most important in our lives. But this Thanksgiving instead of simply using the day to express our gratitude and thankfulness by stuffing ourselves with an abundance of food, we should use the day to remind us all of the values and ideals that our country was built on.

“We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our property, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

I know it may sound a little corny to suggest reciting the preamble to the constitution over thanksgiving dinner but at time when even our leaders seem to offer few answers or explanations for the problems we are facing it seems somehow poignant and timely to do just that! And who knows it may make for really interesting table conversation with the family.

Many say that the war on terrorism is really a war of ideology. This idea seems to make sense to me. However, I wonder if we can or even should try to change belief systems, especially when it involves the ideals of violent extremists? What does seem possible, at least to me is to continually strive to embody the ideals of our nation. To recognize and appreciate the amazing opportunities and privileges that we take for granted. By demonstrating or living out these ideals in our daily life, we not only reaffirms our own values but we send a clear message to the world of our dedication and commitment to freedom and the pursuit of happiness!

I can’t think of any better time than this holiday season to remind ourselves and our loved ones of the principles and rights that we are afforded in order to lead a free life. For, it is these values and beliefs that our country is built on, and is invincible against all evils and acts of terror. We have the choice to either live in a world sheltered by fear and terror or choose to reject this trepidation that paints the world as a scary place. By refusing to live in fear we are standing behind our beliefs and choosing to live in a country that celebrates the holidays, a time no evil can threaten.