Whether you view Thanksgiving as a religious celebration, a pagan tribute to the bounty of Mother Nature, or the official ringing in of the holiday season, the celebration of Thanksgiving gives us a rare opportunity to take a collective time out –to reconnect with loved ones and remember just how much we have to be thankful for.

The joy we feel during this time of sharing and connection is a powerful reminder of the importance of practicing its hallmarks –gratitude and giving. If you want a better life, better health, and a sense of being connected and hopeful, the best way to experience those things is to give, and giving thanks by way of showing your appreciation is a great way to do it. Science bears witness to this phenomenon!

Marci Shimoff, author of Happiness for No Reason tells a powerful story about one Thanksgiving she spent with her family a few years ago. After their meal they were all gathered around in the living room still digesting their meal when she grabbed her video camera and suggested that they all go around in a circle and tell each other one thing they most appreciate about each other. They reluctantly agreed to her request.

Starting with their mother — each family member shared what they appreciated most about her. Next they moved onto their father, and continued this way until all 12 family members heard from the other 11 why and how much they were appreciated. You can imagine how happy everyone was by the end of their “appreciation feast.”

I loved reading this story. And the beautiful part is that now that some of the elders of their family are gone they have this wonderful video they can watch and share with the younger members of their family to keep them connected in the spirit of gratitude and appreciation.

So this holiday season and today especially, when you give thanks for all the abundance and blessings in your life, take a few minutes to let the people you love know how much you appreciate them. If Thanksgiving is one of those holidays that tends to bring the worst out in your family try diffusing tensions by conducting your own “appreciation feast.”

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!