Thanksgiving is a time to make elaborate meals and spend time with family and friends. During this hectic day of cooking, eating and visiting, we often forget that this is a day to give thanks -- a time where we can show our appreciation for all of the good in our lives. Here are a few suggestions to put the attitude of gratitude back into your Thanksgiving holiday.

Instead of sending the traditional holiday cards in December to business associates, family and friends, why not send "appreciation cards" to them at Thanksgiving time? What more appropriate time to say "Thank you," to those who have brought goodness, happiness and/or prosperity into our world? It doesn't take long to write a brief note to those who have touched our lives, and they will be surprised and delighted by the gesture!

Another great "appreciation" exercise is to have family members write short notes (this can be done anonymously or not) about a favorite family memory, and place them in a hat before sitting down to Thanksgiving dinner. During the meal pass the hat around, and let each person pick one of the notes out and read it aloud. This will be sure to create much laughter resulting in a "feel good" atmosphere. Another variation is to have everyone write down what they are thankful for in their lives during the past year. These also should be shared while everyone is gathered together during the the meal.

In an office setting, a pre-Thanksgiving Day party can translate into an awesome opportunity to celebrate company loyalty and create further bonding amongst colleagues. You can ask people to volunteer to stand up and say in two minutes or less what they like most about working there. Another activity could be for each person to write on small individual pieces of paper what they think is special about their co-workers. (Again, these can be done anonymously or not.) The recipient's name should be placed on the outside of the folded note. Each person will wind up with an avalanche of praise to read and enjoy for months to come.

Most of these ideas will also work for clubs, church groups, and even a simple group of friends. Thanksgiving is all about feeling good inside because something in your world is going right. Take time to recognize the goodness in your world and then share your attitude of gratitude with others!