When we speak of family, we usually are referring to our parents, spouse, children, and our “blood relatives.” During the holiday season, we envision a family gathering around the table as painted by Norman Rockwell.
According to a man in his 50s, family is the group of people or individuals with whom he is very close to. “My family is not defined by blood, but rather by friendship, trust, and love for that person.”
Here in Florida, commercials presented by the Publix Corporation, always have families gathered together or in contact with one another via telephone. Everyone is smiling, happy, and middle to upper class. There is laughter, hugs, and well-behaved children. The commercials are like the Rockwell painting shown above. The families might be what we dream to have, but unfortunately may not.
I do not want to end this blog on a negative note. The importance of family (however you define family) is what matters. It is my hope that however one celebrates Thanksgiving Day, it is a loving, meaningful, and blessed day.
KAREN INGALLS, AUTHOR, BLOGGER & SURVIVOR 
A lovely and thoughtful post, Karen. I think people are celebrating “found” families in a much more open and appreciative way these days. That’s a good thing for all of us, but especially for those who can’t rely on blood relations for love and kindness. I wish you a beautiful holiday season full of joy.
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Thank you, Dee for sharing your thoughts about families. This is a subject that gets a lot of attention during all holidays, especially Christmas. Wishing you a joyful and peaceful Christmas.
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Thank you Karen.
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div>This is a beautiful definiti
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Joan, a blessed Thanksgiving is my wish for you.
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Family most definitely expands beyond blood boundaries. Thank you for sharing this and I wish you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!
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Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving also.
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A reminder to hold our families dear. Happy Thanksgiving, Karen.
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Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving also.
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😊
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Thank you for sharing, Karen. May we all be conscious of those close to us, and our many blessings. I wish you and yours a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃 🍂🍁 💕
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Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving also.
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💕
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Lovely reflection, Karen. Many celebrate Thanksgiving alone or not at all. It’s a time to think about blessings, and where we don’t see them, to be a blessing to others through our actions. I hope you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. 🤗❤️🤗
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I love “to be a blessing to others through our actions.” This is something we must do every day.
Wishing a blessed Thanksgiving for you also.
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