Giving Thanks Part IV: Practically free, priceless ways to tell family you love them

It's Turkey day. Yes, today I will stuff myself silly, because 1) I don't get turkey dinners cooked by my talented mother-in-law (insert brownie points here) everyday, and 2) calories don't count on Thanksgiving. Didn't you know?

And I really enjoy my family. I really, really do. Both my husband's side and mine have endeared themselves over the past several years by loving on my sweet kiddos and helping out when they can, and that just makes me all fuzzy wuzzy inside and on the prowl for the perfect way to thank them for all the loving attention. I mean, jeez, my kids are pretty darn cute, but I've seen how they act with a little refined sugar. That's means I'm very grateful for everyone's help.

So how do I communicate that? Well, with an advanced degree in communication, you'd think I'd just know how to express my thanks perfectly, right? No, I'm much better with delivering helpful information and sometimes even sarcastic humor. But gratitude? There's got a be a perfect way to let someone know it.

So, here are my four, un-scientific methods for telling someone in your family, "Thanks," with no purchase necessary.

Say it. In the next few days, I'll have the opportunity to see a number of my family members. And maybe I'm a better writer than a speaker, but there's nothing wrong with the personal touch of going straight up to a person and telling him or her exactly why you appreciate them. Sometimes, I think it's easy to get caught up on the ways we don't think family members are perfect. And just remembering why you value them, even one single detail, might help you remember that we all have "hard to love" moments.

Write it. Oh yes. All that handwriting practice in grade school can finally come in handy when it comes to delivering a note. Sure, you can send a thank you by email, on Facebook, or even one of those nifty little e-cards. But there is something about getting an envelope with your name on it, either through the mail or at the dinner table, with a note that someone took the time to scribble just for you. And as a bonus, unlike spoken words, written words can be read over and over, remembered time and again.

Show it. As a writer, I'm not so fond of the saying, "A picture's worth a thousand words." I don't actually believe that's true all the time, although, visuals can affect people in deep, emotional ways. That being said, a more unique way to say thanks beyond the common note card would be to dig up a picture from a trip or get-together containing a happy memory of you and a family member. On the back of the picture, write a brief note (that's right, you're not getting out of the writing part!) and tell them why the memory is so special to you.

Do it. Okay, so I said this wouldn't cost anything. Actually, I said these were practically free ideas. So here's where the practically comes in. Time is one of the most valuable things in our society. With the internet, activities, family commitments, work, television, (deep breath), sporting events, Christmas shopping etc. etc., having time to spend one-on-one with a family member comes at a high price. But there is nothing, NOTHING, like giving your time to go do something with a family member--going out to eat, watching a movie, shopping, whatever. Because, at the end of the day, you might discover that the more you give, the more you receive.

And that, my friends, is the spirit of the season.

Giving Thanks Part III - A community that shares together, cares together

It may start to overwhelm you. This is the time of year that charities get super serious about requesting donations for hundreds of worthy causes. And one might think, "Gosh, I'd love to give back. But sheesh, with Christmas coming up...(fill in plausible excuse here)."

But with many of us taking the time to get together with family and friends to celebrate the holidays, our hearts do appear to grow warmer as the temperature grows colder. I mean, who wants to be a scrooge with the words, "God bless us, every one," ringing in our years and songs about the specialness of the season sounding from every radio?

Well, there's no time like the present to take a minute and count your blessings (hey, I mean, it is Thanksgiving next week). Then, with a genuine smile on your face, take a look at the following list--a list of organizations that help out right here in your own community.


For the little ones...Infant Crisis Services. Although located in Oklahoma City, this organization has dropoff points in Edmond. They certainly encourage and accept monetary donations, but if you are "de-babyfying" your house, they also have a wishlist of items you can donate.

For the animal lover...Edmond Animal Welfare. Maybe the thought of committing to a pet for life has you uneasy, or maybe you have room in your heart (and home) for more furry companions. Either way, Edmond Animal Welfare offers residents the chance to help out our furry friends by becoming a foster family or adopting a pet.

For the kiddos...Peppers Ranch. Whether you just want to donate funds to a worthy cause or take on the role of a foster parent, this Edmond organization is committed to helping abused and neglected children by "creating a network of caring foster parents and adult mentors on whom children can depend." Also in Edmond is the Boys Ranch Town, run by Oklahoma Baptist Homes for Children.

For education...your local college. Whether you are an alumni or not, giving back to a state university like UCO, OSU, and OU gives students with good grades and low funds the opportunity to continue their educations. And believe me, with the number of phone calls I get from my Alma maters, a school is not gonna turn anything down! (Really, you can find an opportunity to give to any college by typing in a college name and the word "give.")

For disaster relief...the American Red Cross. We just witnessed the amazing way in which our state pulls together following crises like the tornadoes that hit in Moore and across Oklahoma City this past spring. Giving money to the local Red Cross chapter helps you give back to an organization that does so much for the people facing the loss of their homes and businesses. Other organizations that assisted with disaster relief this past spring are listed here, and giving to them now helps them respond quickly and aggressively to future events.

So, what are you waiting for? What am I waiting for? And if you are short on money, opportunities abound to share your time at church, school, local nonprofits, etc., etc. So show your thanks, don't just say it. Actions speak louder than words.