Thanksgiving is upon us yet again, not really sure where the time goes. I\u2019ve looked absolutely everywhere and to no avail. There\u2019s either a black hole that sucks it all away from us or it\u2019s right there in front of us but we\u2019re too concerned with the NEXT thing that we don\u2019t concentrate on the here and now. My money is on the black hole.<\/p>\n
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Regarding the title of this post, \u201cdoes it matter?\u201d That popped out of my head for a couple of reasons, 1) I hate the idea that we give thanks once a year although I realize many of us give thanks more, I just don\u2019t like this idea and 2) I\u2019m frustrated with the continued mass consumerism of this country (America) that I live in. Annie and I agreed a few years back that we do not do gifts for people anymore. In my opinion, gifts, for the most part, are meaningless and temporary. We would rather spend physical time with people doing something fun like going on some adventure, going on a trip, or simply sharing a great meal with an epic bottle of wine or four.<\/p>\n
You see\u2026I (Matt) am just so sick of all the over spending and under appreciation. Annie and I also started a tradition back on our first Christmas together where we write each other a letter rather than buy any gifts for one another. This letter contains our views on what we\u2019ve been through the past year and our thoughts on our relationship and so on. Sounds stupid I\u2019m sure but the letter I get from Annie is forever to me, not some momentary idiotic knick knack for me to put on a shelf. Life is not about things\u2026neither is Thanksgiving or Christmas. Life is about feelings and relationships and it\u2019s my personal belief that Thanksgiving should be a feeling you have everyday all year long (unless you despise the Holidays because your family sucks).<\/p>\n
I\u2019m not sure how we got into this way of thinking, that things can make us happy or that buying things for someone else will make them happy or show our appreciation for that person. I used to buy into all of that, figuratively and literally, but not anymore. It means more to me when someone takes the time to say Happy Birthday to me than it does if they buy me something. I love spending time with those that I care about. Sharing laughter, good times, and a great bottle of wine is the meaning of life for me\u2026and for Annie and I as a couple. To be honest, damn near every amazing memory I have has to do with people, not things\u2026that makes me smile!!<\/p>\n
So on this occasion we call Thanksgiving; let\u2019s make an effort to be more thankful more of the time. Let\u2019s make an effort to turn off the fire hose of negativity and be thankful for the good that is going on. Let\u2019s get over the idea that things outweigh the relationships. There is not a thing on this planet that you can buy me that would replace the time you and I could have together\u2026nothing!<\/p>\n
We would love to hear your thoughts on this and also let us know what you do for Thanksgiving? Do you go the traditional route or go for the road less traveled? Happy Thanksgiving everyone! Annie and I sincerely appreciate all the acquaintances and friendships we have with all of you and wish you nothing but the best! Cheers!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Thanksgiving is upon us yet again, not really sure where the time goes. I\u2019ve looked absolutely everywhere and to no avail. There\u2019s either a black…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":2429,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","filesize_raw":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[30,122,241,494,510],"class_list":{"0":"post-2418","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-lifestyle","8":"tag-annie","9":"tag-christmas","10":"tag-holiday","11":"tag-thanksgiving","12":"tag-united-states","13":"entry"},"yoast_head":"\n