Have fun and give thanks

November 25, 12:13 PMHouston Parenting ExaminerBeth Ebersbaker

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Turkey in the oven, pies cooling on the counter top, the parade on T.V, and wearing flannel pajamas shamelessly until afternoon - these are what I wanted for Thanksgiving this year, and I wanted them in my newly repaired house without a broken master bathroom, concrete floors, or peeling paint. 

In the wake of Hurricane Ike, many Houstonians are feeling a little less than thankful this Thanksgiving, but an article in the Houston Chronicle yesterday gave me a wake up call.  Mike Snyder's "Thousands wait for FEMA to put a roof overhead" features several families who are grateful to have those trailers and plenty of families who still wait in line.  The article made me feel sheepish for the hurry I've been in to get my own home repaired.  At least I have a home to repair.

My parents raised me to think of the needs of others before my own needs and to be thankful for what I have, even if materially, it seems small.  This lesson still pushes me to try to make the right decisions and give what I can to those who need it.  The only way to really teach this lesson to children is through example. 

Let me offer a suggestion for this Thanksgiving.  If your home is still intact, your family is well, and you have food to eat, consider sharing your good fortune with others and teaching your kids the value of caring.  Here's what I think would make a great Thanksgiving Day.  My mother had this idea several years ago, and our family found the experience enlightening and rewarding:

First, watch the H-E-B Holiday Parade, either in person or on TV (KHOU), starting at 9am.  You don't have to skip the traditions of the holiday in order to do a good deed.  Do both.  Kids love a parade.  There is just something wonderful about large floating objects, marching bands, twirlers, cheerleaders, and bizzarely decorated trucks.  If you watch it on TV, you can prepare some of the food for your meal as you watch.

Next, help serve dinner or distribute clothes to Houston's needy.  Downtown Houston offers two Thanksgiving Dinners this year, The City Wide Club's Feast of Big Sharing at the George R. Brown Convention Center and the 20th Annual Superfeast at Sam Houston Park.  Both dinners start serving at 10:00 am, and volunteers are welcome to bring children.  You don't have to sign up in advance, and you can arrive when you can and stay as long as you like.  You will meet people who really need a warm meal but need a friendly face even more.

Finally, go home, eat dinner in the evening, northern style, and give thanks.