With such amazing nieces and nephews, it’s clear we have so much to be thankful for.

We don’t always get to catch up on a regular basis with our little nieces and nephews; only a lucky handful of us share a town or state. That means we really look forward to holidays like Thanksgiving. The drive might seem long, but at the end of it, there are always happy, smiling little people greeting us when we show up at the door.

Thanksgiving’s roots are sometimes religious and sometimes political. But for all families, Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for all the delicious food they are able to put on the table. And, more importantly, it’s a time to celebrate how fortunate they are to have such amazing familial support.

A friend of mine recently told me of a Thanksgiving tradition they hold in her family: They all hold hands and go around the table, one by one, announcing what they are thankful for. Last year, just before tucking into the most amazing smorgasbord, my friend’s sister said, “I’m thankful for this gorgeous turkey.”
“I’m thankful for a beautiful wife,” said her husband.

“I’m thankful for my puppy, Lola and pumpkin pie,” said her nephew, his puppy within toe’s reach.

“I’m thankful that Auntie came for dinner,” said his sister, beaming. “She’s cool.”

My friend was so happy, she said, “How could this not bring a tear to my eye? A little person, just five years old, and I had done something to affect her in such a way that she was actually thankful to see me at the dinner table that night. (And more importantly, she thinks I’m cool!)”

Of course, she had to finish by saying how thankful she was to have such beautiful nieces and nephews. And it came from her heart.

Whether we have kids of our own or not, the relationship with a sibling’s kid is one-of-a-kind. We don’t have to worry about discipline or teaching lessons. Mom and dad can do the hard stuff. We just get to show up and have a really great time.

This year, there might be another long car trip ahead of you, but just know that the bond you build with your little niece or nephew is incomparable, unbreakable, and something to be very thankful for.

Andrea Donsky and Randy Boyer are co-founders of NaturallySavvy.com.

Published: November 23, 2010