All the things I am thankful for. #ThankFALL

08 Oct 2014

I am thankful

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.”

The origins of Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Day in Canada, or Jour de l’Action de grace for my French Canadian friends, is a time to be thankful for everything in your life. The origin of Thanksgiving dates back to the late 1500s, and explorer Martin Frobisher, who was seeking a northern passage to the Pacific Ocean. On his third and final voyage, Frobisher set up camp on Baffin Island, and held a formal ceremony to give thanks to God, and celebrate communion. Frobisher‘s ceremony is often referred to as “Canada’s First Thanksgiving”.

The origins of Thanksgiving in the US can be traced back to a celebration at Plymouth in present-day Massachusetts in 1621. Pilgrims who began emigrating from England during this time carried the tradition of Days of Fasting and Days of Thanksgiving with them to New England. Thanksgiving in the US is a completely different ballgame. For our friends to the south, not only is it a time for families to get together to be thankful, it is a time to eat lots of food, and watch lots of football. Luckily, with Wendy’s Mom’s side being American, I get to celebrate twice, and watch lots of football!

Decorating for Halloween

Around Thanksgiving, I start to decorate my house for Halloween. We take Halloween pretty seriously around here.

I have a quarter circle shaped garden in the front of my house, against my garage and front porch. At Halloween, I turn this into a mini graveyard. Tombstones, orange and black lights, spider webs, and a rusty old fence all help to make it a scary sight. I also cut down all of the planst and let the weeds grow over for a few weeks prior to Halloween to give it a realistic look.

A few years ago, I added a fog machine, and it totally took it one step higher.

For this year, I picked up a couple new tombstones from Target, as well as some orange sisal pumpkins that light up.

I also picked up a new black cauldron to hold the candy for the trick or treaters.

I still have to head back and pick up another tombstone and a few more pumpkins.

While at Target, I played around with a few of the hats and wigs. You can’t take me anywhere!

35 things I am ThankFALL for

With Thanksgiving fast approaching, I thought I would compile a list of all the things I am thankful for:

1. My wife Wendy
She is beautiful, inside and out; amazing, supportive, and a wonderful mom to our girls.

2. Rachel and Lauren
My two daughters are my world. Their smiles and laughs are contagious.

3. My dog Dakota
No matter what kind of day I have had, she is always there to snuggle with.

4. My parents.
No matter what I do, or where I go, they are always there to support me, and have done so all of my life.

5. My brother.
Even though I am taller, he will always be my big brother.

6. My friends.
Each one of them holds a special part in my heart, and I am blessed for having them in my life.

7. My camping family.
We have met some wonderful people while camping, whom we look forward to seeing each time we go back.

8. Our home campground.
We belong to a camping organization that allows us to camp all year. Our home campground is 90 minutes south of us, and we love it there!

9. Campfires.
There is nothing like sitting by a warm campfire with family and friends.

10. My senior youth group.
They are a fantastic bunch of teens, who are friends outside of youth group. I am blessed to be a part of such a wonderful group.

11. My church.
It is a place we go once a week to be with like minded people, in a faith based environment. It is an accepting church, which we love.

12. Living in a country with 4 seasons.
I love Winter, and playing in the snow with my girls. I love seeing the flowers bud in the Spring. Our family loves to get away for camping trips in the Summer. The changing of the colours in the Fall is truly spectacular.

13. Our home.
It’s filled with love. I am blessed for owning one, especially where I do.

14. Our community.
I pinch myself every time I walk around our neighbourhood. It is filled with parks, and many nice people.

15. Social media.
I have met many wonderful people over the years. Some have been become great friends.

16. Karaoke.
It allows me to be a rock star in my own mind. After a few wobbly pops, of course.

17. What I do for a living.
I love being out in the community, working for a great company, and representing a brand I truly love.

18. My team.
I have the most awesome team a manager could ask for. They are hard working, dedicated, love what they do, and work really well together. Couldn’t ask for much more than that!

19. Mike, my personal trainer.
Mike is guiding me on an important journey back to better health.

20. For the tough times in life.
We all go through them. I am thankful I had the strength to get through them.

21. The Internet.
It allows me to stay connected with family and friends who are across the world.

22. Clean water.
It is something we always take for granted. I drink 8-10 glasses a day, and enjoy every last drop.

23. For long walks in nature.
I love to get out and enjoy walks… for exercise, and for fresh air.

24. Healthcare.
I am truly lucky in that we live in a Province that believes in healthcare for all, regardless of financial position.

25. For my daughters’ school.
They attend a great public school, with an amazing administration. I am co-chair of the Home & School council. I get to plan, organize, fundraise for and volunteer at events within the school.

26. The freedom to vote.
Having a voice on whom could potentially lead your community is important. I never miss an opportunity to have my voice heard.

27. For being a Volunteer Builder.
I am part of a wonderful organization, with some tremendous people, who donate a lot of their time to help build things at kids camps in Ontario. I am a Volunteer Builder.

28. For a warm bed at night.
We often take the little things for granted.

29. For music.
I listen to it all day, and sometimes sing along or desk drum. It keeps me happy.

30. For hugs.
Once you get to know me, you’ll know I am a hugger. If you get one from me, you know I appreciate you in my life.

31. For life.
Because without it, none of this is possible.

32. Mistakes.
I’ve made many in my life, and I’ve learned a lesson from each one.

33. Thanksgiving.
A time when we can spend with our families, being thankful, and eating turkey. Lots of turkey. And gravy.

34. Halloween.
I am thankful I can dress up in a scary costume and make my house look like a graveyard… and kids will still come by for candy.

35. For all of you
My readers. Thank you for stopping by to read my blog.

What are you #ThankFALL for?

Enter below. You can win a $250 Target Canada Gift Card!

Target Canada ‪#‎ThankFALL‬

Cheers,
Big Daddy

Disclosure: I am part of the Target #ThankFALL influencer program run by The Influential Network. I was compensated for this post but opinions are always my own!

If you would like me to review your product, send me an email at craig@bigdaddykreativ.ca or find me on “the twitter” at @BigDaddyKreativ

Craig Silva

Craig is a passionate and seasoned travel, food, and lifestyle writer, whose words paint vivid pictures of the world's most captivating destinations. His work not only inspires others to embark on their own adventures but also fosters a deep appreciation for the beauty and diversity of our world. He captures the essence of each locale, offering readers a glimpse into the cultures, landscapes, cuisine, and experiences that make travel so enriching. Craig is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the International Travel Writers Alliance (ITWA). If you are a PR agency or brand and would like Craig to review a travel destination, vehicle, restaurant, product or service, please send him an email.