Happy Thanksgiving - almost a week late. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays…for many reasons. For one, it is a time to reflect on everything in our lives for which we are thankful. I think many of us could spend more time in thanksgiving, rather than focusing on our hardships. Being thankful should be a way of life, instead of a holiday. But nonetheless I enjoy the day taking time to reflect on my many blessings.

I also enjoy Thanksgiving because it kicks off my favorite time of year: Advent, otherwise known as “the Christmas season.” For some, this begins when the red and green candy appears in the grocery stores in October, but for me, it begins with Advent.

The holidays, beginning with Thanksgiving, kick-off a month (or so) of family, friendship and faith (whatever your faith may be). This also includes many traditions, upon which memories are made.

We altered our Thanksgiving tradition this year by attending the Macy’s Day Parade in New York. We loved it, but we also made sure we were back home in time to continue one of our favorite traditions: decorating for Christmas on Thanksgiving night. We put the kids to bed, and Deck the Halls. And we don’t stop until we are done. I had many friends relay their Thanksgiving comments to me: “I bet the DeMarias are decorating!” This is not a tradition from our childhood, but one we know is creating memories for our children.

The other reason I love Advent is because of my own memories. Growing up, we celebrated each Sunday in Advent with a special dinner and a special program that my mom created. I still have a copy of her hand-written Advent program, and I know I always will. I have typed up and given her program to many friends, but I will always keep the copy in her own writing.

This, to me, is what is so meaningful about the holiday season: honoring family and traditions from our past, sharing traditions and special times with friends, and creating traditions and memories for our children.