A couple years ago, I began a gratitude book. Every day – or every few days when I fall behind  – I write a few lines in my little book. Usually I write what happened that day  that I’m grateful for. When things have been kind of no-good-very-bad for me, I try to find the good that’s in the bad. This has helped me in my life. It’s been a real game-changer to borrow a pop phrase from 2020. I find that I’m able to self-soothe myself through the simple activity of writing in my gratitude book.

And then there’s Thanksgiving where we as Americans express our gratitude either in person, on paper (if we send a Hallmark card!) or by telephone, text, social media. You get the idea. It’s all good and we’re all very thankful and appreciative.

And then…. there’s Thanksgiving 2020. A whopper of a Thanksgiving if there ever was one. Yes, it feels different this year, because hey, it is different. And although there are so many questions these days that are left unanswered, and so much confusion surrounding Covid-19, I believe I can answer the question of:

WHY IS THIS THANKSGIVING DIFFERENT FROM ALL OTHER THANKSGIVINGS?

1. While all other years we are thankful for general things in our lives, this year we are mostly thankful for the good that transpires as a result of Covid Perks or Covid Recoveries.

2. While all other years we are grateful to dine with  our entire family and many friends, this year we are grateful to  dine with just our immediate bubble.

3. While all other years, we look forward to shopping and traveling, this year we are grateful for our health and well-being.

4. While all other years, we dread the family dynamics at the table, this year we fear the family contagion within our midst.

And now that I’ve answered the question, let’s all find many more things to be thankful for. Because one thing is not different this year; some things remain the same.

When we take the time to express gratitude, we enjoy our holiday, and that goes for any time of the year. Even Passover. Whoops. It’s November!