What you may not know about Thanksgiving

Teaching children to say "please" and thank you" is a daunting task for any parent. Teaching them to be "thankful" can feel like an impossible task. In a culture that is heavily weighted towards consumption and the acquiring of things, teaching children a sense of gratitude, compassion and true thankfulness requires some real creativity.

Thanksgiving is the ideal time to start this very important conversation. The story of the Pilgrims and the Indians is full of themes about sharing, giving, listening and understanding. It illustrates how those with much were willing to overcome some key differences and share their bounty.

Living those principals in modern times is another key way to help children learn the value in compassion, sharing and thankfulness. All children, even very young ones, can go grocery shopping, to buy canned goods for a local food pantry or food drive. Let them help make the shopping list, taking time to discuss why they are selecting their selections. Let them take turns filling the cart. Talk about with older children what it might be like to not have any money for groceries at the end of the month. Talk to them about hunger.

In many communities local churches and food banks organize special Thanksgiving Day meals. Consider volunteering as a family to prepare and serve the feast. This will allow children to not only appreciate all that goes into the preparation of the meal, but to see how their contribution has real and meaningful impact in their communities. Starting small and starting young, can help make being thankful a habit, one that will serve the child through out life.

Not traveling this year? Are gas prices or airline fares too steep for the budget, especially with Christmas just around the corner. Has the loss of a loved one changed the landscape of the Thanksgiving Holiday? Worried that this change in tradition will dampen the holiday spirit? Never fear, with some advancing planning this holiday celebration can be just as meaningful if not different.

Consider asking around your circle of friends and co-workers, to see if anyone else is forgoing the travels of previous years. Consider all getting together to fix the meal and enjoy the day. Not only will it be fun to involve others in a similar situation, it is a chance to shake up the menu and maybe try something new. While you might be miss Grandma's sweet potato pie, it is your chance to try and make pureed sweet potatoes with pecan crumbles. Maybe your friends have an entirely different menu, like oyster dressing and hot fudge pie.

Another great option is to volunteer in a local food bank, offer to bring meals to your communities shut ins, or volunteer in a church soup kitchen. You will bring a ray of sunshine to someone else's life and can feel good about sharing your time and maybe talent with those who really need a helping hand.

Not feeling like celebrating because of the loss of a loved one. Feeling more blue than you thought you might as the holidays approach, consider meeting with someone to talk about how you are feeling. It is perfectly nature to feel concerned as the holidays approach and a very important seat may be empty for the first time this year. In many cities, local hospitals and outreach centers have grief counselor and often time support groups. In some cases there are even special holiday meals or socials for those in the same situation. Often times it feels good to know you are not alone.

Regardless of why this Thanksgivings will be different, with a little courage and willingness to embrace change, it can still a season of counted blessings and comfort food.

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is for many people, the event for Thanksgiving. Annually televised on NBC, many people get up early, prep their turkey and then turn on the television to watch the 3 hour long event, featuring impressive character balloons, exciting floats and marching bands.

The parade begins near Central Park at 77th Street, continuing down Broadway after Columbus Circle and making an appearance in Time Square before continuing to Macy's. NBC began televising the parade in 1945 and this route has been the route ever since then. The original route began in Harlem and the participants marched a long 6.5 miles, whereas now the parade stretches for 2.5 miles. Macy's has been holding the annual parade since 1928. During the 20s, many New Yorkers and Macy's employees were first generation Americans and they wanted to celebrate the special American holiday of Thanksgiving with a parade and festival similar to how their parents celebrated holidays in Europe. Hence the parade became the focal point of Thanksgiving.

Balloons have always played a central role in the parade. In the early days there were released after the parade and allowed to deflate as they floated around. Special tags sewn into the balloons directed people to return them to Macy's. Now the balloons are high tech, equipped with wind measurement devices and the parade organizers can direct balloon handlers to bring the balloon lower to the ground during windy conditions.

The most famous float is likely Tom Turkey, who has played a central role in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade since 1971. Other notable floats include, Sesame Street and Marvel Comics.

The marching bands provide live music for the parade, while the special Broadway performances are in many cases prerecorded and the performers lip sync.

The balloons have not only delighted parade goers, but have also been caught on light posts and other tall objects, the most notable balloon mishap is when Sponge Bob was caught on a light post and required the assistance of a New York City police office and a concerned father. Neither Sponge Bob nor his rescuers were injured that day.

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade is a great opportunity to enjoy a truly American tradition, whether braving the cold along Broadway in New York City or from the cozy comfort of your own home. It is a bit of Americana which brings us all together.