Detroit Families: What Are You Thankful For?
*Content provided by our sponsor, the Michigan Education Savings Plan.
Sharlonda Buckman, CEO, Detroit Parent Network
As we are being dragged into the holiday season with early immersion of Retail intrusion, Christmas music, holiday decorations, and sales we MUST take advantage of, I would like to remind us that there is a holiday of historical values that precedes Black Friday . . . Thanksgiving!
A holiday that was historically a celebration of the blessings of the harvest by the Pilgrims, has become a holiday much more about feasting, football, and family in America.
Through this evolution, Thanksgiving is almost unrecognizable from its origins. The celebration that kicks off the holiday season is threatened by the intrusion of greedy companies that now begin Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving, if not the day before negating what is left of our traditions.
I challenge families to protect one of the traditions of this holiday by bringing together family, breaking bread, and sharing the history of Thanksgiving! We can't allow our children to be robbed of creating traditions and memories that have kept our families close for years. You can always purchase products, but you cannot purchase the warm feelings created by these simple but significant, family gatherings.
As we spend the holidays with our loved ones, we collect stories that make our family, our family. My macaroni versus my sisters macaroni and the cooking contests in my family give us something to look forward to as the kids are almost held hostage to be tasters and laughing at the remarks among their crazy momma and auntie!
They witness bonding and sharing and laughing and love. They are learning how to stay connected and close and they also learn that their Aunt Sharlonda is the best cook (writer's privilege)! Protect this Thanksgiving from retail intrusion and prioritize your family to make new memories that will last a lifetime. That's a guarantee, not a warranty!
I am thankful that I am here; I'm among great people in a city and state where the promise of prosperity is evidenced by our hard work, our land, the diversity of people, places and where opportunity is real! I am thankful to be of service to parents and children, in a place where we advocate that these opportunities are accessible to all!
I am thankful for a team of staff, volunteers, and members who believe in the power of parents and the right to a bright future for every child. I am thankful for my family and my friends who love me unconditionally and without restrictions!
I am hopeful that my blessings regularly become gifts to others, so that I may make a small imprint in this world through the people and the children who fuel my fire in this work. I am thankful that HE kept me and continues to cover me, even when I mess up! I am thankful because my mother and my father taught me to be appreciative and modeled what being thankful looks like in action!
What are you thankful for? How will you use Thanksgiving to teach your children to be thankful and celebrate the harvest of love in your family?
