Family Time

Getting Together for the Holidays

‘Karen and Jay share thoughts on the importance of getting together with family – especially during the holidays.’

It’s that time of year again when the holidays are upon us. Times get busy. So much to do as we approach Thanksgiving and then Christmas. And, with all this activity it’s easy to lose sight of what is vitally important. The magic of families coming together – enjoying each other’s company and sharing a special love.

As we move into this Thanksgiving week, there’s a gentle shift in the air—a mixture of anticipation, gratitude, and a touch of nostalgia. Even in the rush of preparations, there’s something grounding about this season. It invites us to pause, just for a moment, and remember the simple joys we sometimes rush past during the rest of the year. We’re reminded that the heart of these holidays isn’t found in the to-do lists, but in the people who fill our lives with meaning.

Thanksgiving, especially, offers a beautiful opportunity to reflect on the blessings—both big and small—that weave themselves into our everyday routines. Maybe it’s the comfort of familiar traditions, the warmth of a long overdue hug, or the laughter that effortlessly bubbles up when loved ones gather. These are the gifts that outshine any decoration or perfectly set table. In a world that moves quickly, this season gently encourages us to slow down and savor each moment.

And as soon as the last slice of pie is enjoyed, our hearts naturally turn toward Christmas and all the joy it brings. Lights twinkling in the cold night air, the sound of music drifting from every corner, the excitement that builds as we think about giving and receiving acts of kindness—it all adds to a sense of wonder. There is something undeniably magical about this stretch of time, when goodwill seems to shine a little brighter, and hope feels easier to find.

So, as the holidays approach, may we hold close the things that matter most: connection, gratitude, and love. Let’s cherish each conversation, each shared meal, and each quiet moment that brings us back to what truly counts. If we embrace the season with open hearts, we’ll find it has a way of lifting us up—reminding us that joy is abundant, family is a gift, and the best memories are often the ones created when we simply show up for one another. Here’s to a beautiful holiday season filled with warmth, peace, and the kind of magic that lasts long after the decorations are put away.

Home at Last: When Service Members Make It to the Holiday Table

Thanksgiving is a time of warmth, gathering, and the deep joy of being together. For families of service members, that joy has an extra meaning: the chair that’s been empty, or far away, can finally be filled. When a member of the military returns home for the holiday, the simple act of sitting around the table becomes a powerful reunion. It reminds everyone what the season is really about — belonging, love, and shared stories.

Service means sacrifice, which is especially true for our armed forces who may be deployed or on duty while everyone else is passing the gravy. On bases around the world, service members mark Thanksgiving with camaraderie and tradition, even when far from home. U.S. Department of War+2Task & Purpose+2 But there’s nothing quite like the moment when the mission ends, or a break allows travel, and a loved one walks through the door and the table suddenly feels complete.

Here’s a heartwarming example: a military family who’d been separated for months finally orchestrated a homecoming just in time for Thanksgiving. (For privacy we’ll name the service member “Captain Smith.”) Captain Smith had been stationed overseas for nearly nine months and leave was tight. With support from the unit’s leave-and-pass system, the family coordinated his flights, the homecoming decorations, and a surprise when he walked in. The kids had made place-cards, the older sibling prepared a favorite dish, and the moment he entered the dining room — complete with turkey aroma and bright laughter — everyone’s relief and joy was plain.

The policy that made this happen? The military’s leave system and travel-entitlements help make homecomings possible when operational tempo allows. Programs like Armed Services YMCA’s Operation Ride Home help too, giving families a boost for holiday travel when service demands keep things tight. ASYMCA National Headquarters+1

Why does this matter? Because Thanksgiving isn’t just about food — it’s about someone saying, “I’m glad you’re here,” “We missed you,” and “This place is our home together.” When a military family is reunited, the holiday table becomes a symbol of resilience and gratitude. It sends the message: service is meaningful, and homecoming is deeply valued. So if you know a service-member family this season, celebrating their reunion adds another layer of joy to the holiday — and reminds us to count our blessings of presence, not just presents.

The First Thanksgiving & A Lesson in Freedom

It’s striking to think about the feast at First Thanksgiving for the Pilgrims and how that early gathering still touches our holiday conversations today. According to accounts and popular retellings, the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag Tribe shared food and fellowship after a harvest that followed a brutal first winter. What is less commonly emphasized is how the early colonial community’s economics played a role in their survival and celebration.

Rush Limbaugh has shared how the story of Thanksgiving is not just about cooperation with Native Americans but also about how the Pilgrims’ shift from a communal model to a private-property model sparked productivity and a bountiful harvest. He pointed out that their initial “everything in common” arrangement proved ineffective, and only when families had their own land to work did output rise. The Rush Limbaugh Show+1 The idea: individual incentive plus stewardship of one’s own plot led to a thriving harvest and thus the celebrated feast.

In this light, the First Thanksgiving becomes a lesson in how freedom to work, to own, to reap one’s efforts, can translate into plenty — and plenty makes gathering joyful. The gathering around the table wasn’t simply a token of survival but a reward of effort and collaboration with incentive. While the story is more nuanced than one simple version, it’s a useful reminder as families gather this season: what we have did not appear by magic, but often by shared work, creativity, and freedom.

So as you prepare your meal and arranging your seats this Thanksgiving, you might tuck in a small thought: that the table we share is not only about tradition, but also about the fruits of our labor, and the joy that comes from combining freedom, purpose, and togetherness. It’s a perfect pre-holiday reflection — and an invitation to be thankful for what we make, what we share, and what we receive.

Turkey, Table, Tradition – How Norman Rockwell Captured Thanksgiving

Picture this: a crisp white tablecloth, glasses set, a big roasted turkey being placed at the center of a family gathering. That image may feel instantly familiar — and that’s thanks in large part to the legendary illustrator Norman Rockwell and his iconic painting Freedom from Want from 1943. Wikipedia+2TheCollector+2

A little background on Rockwell: born in 1894, he became America’s beloved visual storyteller. Over his career he produced hundreds of magazine covers (notably for the Saturday Evening Post), illustrations, and vignettes of everyday American life. His gift was capturing warmth, humor, and optimism in detail. In 1942 he created the painting “Freedom from Want” as part of his “Four Freedoms” series inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s 1941 “Four Freedoms” speech. Wikipedia+1

The story behind the painting is lovely: Rockwell set up a studio scene in November 1942 in Arlington, Vermont. He used photographs of friends, neighbors, and his wife as models. He painted the turkey scene directly around Thanksgiving, and the painting later appeared in the March 6, 1943 issue of The Saturday Evening Post. THEKITCHENTODAY+1 Over time it became something more than a magazine illustration — it became a symbol of family, plenty, and gratitude.

What does it say about Thanksgiving? That the holiday isn’t just about food or even about tradition — it’s about the gathering of generations, the passing of the platter, the light in the window, the warmth in the air. The Rockwell image reminds us of the high-value of togetherness. If you walk past a card, poster, or print of this scene, you don’t just see a turkey — you see home. So, this year as you sit down, glance at that picture in your mind or on the wall, and let it reinforce your intent: to savor the faces, the stories, and the shared love that make the holiday shine.

Running into the Holiday: Turkey Trots and Family Fun

Here’s a fun holiday tradition that’s zoomed way beyond the dinner table: the Turkey Trot! Every Thanksgiving morning across the country, communities gather for a run (or walk) before the big meal — it’s part workout, part family outing, part festive kickoff. The idea is simple: lace up your sneakers, get moving, and then earn your slice of pie.

Turkey Trots date back to the early 20th century in various communities, but have exploded in popularity in recent decades. Some races count thousands of participants, many families push strollers, dogs run too, costumes abound. It’s a joyful mix of health, community, laughter, and tradition.

One favorite in Florida is the Vero Beach Turkey Trot. Located in Vero Beach, Florida, this race has become a staple of local Thanksgiving morning. Families gather at the starting line, the skies are mild, the path scenic, and by the time the finish line looms, everyone is ready to get home and enjoy the feast. Runners I’ve talked to love the dual feeling of accomplishment and gratitude: they’ve moved their bodies, bonded with friends or family, and then shift gears to food + storytelling.

If your family wants to do something before the meal this year, consider joining a Turkey Trot (even if just walking). The tradition adds extra pep to the holiday: it says “we’re active together,” “we celebrate together,” and “we’re making memories every minute.” So, grab your runner’s bib or your walking shoes, head out in the cool morning air, and then settle in for the feast with an extra layer of energy and connection.

Profile of the Week: Denzel Washington – A Grateful Heart in Action

This week we are delighted to highlight Denzel Washington, an American icon whose life, character, and steady humility have earned him admiration far beyond the silver screen. Known for his powerful performances, strong moral grounding, and deep dedication to family, Denzel radiates the quiet virtues that define Thanksgiving: gratitude, faith, generosity, and an appreciation for life’s blessings. He is a man who leads not with noise, but with integrity — and that makes him a perfect figure to honor as the holidays approach.

Denzel Washington often speaks about gratitude as the foundation of his life. In interviews and speeches, he regularly emphasizes thanking God each morning, acknowledging blessings, and living with a heart oriented toward service. His message is never boastful or self-centered; it’s simple, humble, and sincere — the kind of grounded perspective that resonates deeply as families pause during Thanksgiving to reflect on what matters most. His reminder to “stay grateful” fits beautifully with this season’s spirit.

Beyond his acting career, Denzel’s quiet philanthropy sets him apart. For decades he has supported youth programs, scholarships, and faith-based initiatives, including his longtime involvement with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America — an organization he credits with shaping his own childhood. He gives not for attention, but from genuine gratitude for the mentors and opportunities that helped guide his path. That attitude mirrors the core of Thanksgiving: remembering your roots, acknowledging those who helped you grow, and giving back in ways that lift others.

Perhaps most striking is Denzel’s devotion to family. Married for over 40 years, he frequently speaks of the importance of strong foundations, shared values, and raising children with discipline, faith, and love. He embodies the family-centered warmth we associate with gathering around the Thanksgiving table — where traditions are passed down, stories are shared, and the strength of family bonds is celebrated. His life is a reminder that the truest legacy is not fame, but the love and guidance we give to those closest to us.

So today, we proudly recognize Denzel Washington as our Profile of the Week. His grateful spirit, generosity, devotion to family, and steady, principled approach to life make him a shining example during this season of thanks. As we prepare for Thanksgiving, Denzel’s message encourages us to reflect on our blessings, cherish our loved ones, and carry a thankful heart into the holiday season and beyond. Thank you, Denzel, for showing America — and the world — how powerful gratitude can be when lived out with quiet strength and authenticity.

Quote of the Week: Family Time

“Family is not an important thing. It’s everything.”

— Michael J. Fox