Thanksgiving Day is just around the corner, and where I live in Colorado, the bright yellow aspen leaves have long fluttered to the ground leaving barren tree limbs. Autumn days are cooler and the nights longer. And there’s a powdered sugar dusting of snow on Pikes Peak.

While this time of year is about being grateful, it’s not always easy for those who may be alone or discouraged. Some people even get “the holiday blues.”

I understand that this time of year can be stressful or depressing for some. Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one this year. Or, you’re an empty-nester for the first time. Maybe your finances are tight, or you’re having a conflict with someone you care about and just don’t know what to do.

No matter your circumstances, there is hope. God is your strength and helper in times of trouble. He cares about you and all you are going through.

Here are three practical ways to not only survive, but thrive—and make your Thanksgiving holiday more meaningful and joyful.

1.HELP OTHERS ENJOY THE HOLIDAY

• • Give a smile and a kind word to the cashier at your local store. Hold the door open for another person. Or, offer to do the dishes when it’s not your turn.
  • Invite someone to your Thanksgiving celebration who may not have a place to go for the holiday. For instance, remember the singles in your church or community.
  • Hold a “Friends Thanksgiving” celebration before or after the actual Thanksgiving holiday.
  • Donate food, coats, or blankets to a local shelter or church to help those who are hungry and cold. Or, make a plan to serve a Thanksgiving meal at a soup kitchen or homeless shelter.

2. SHARE GRATITUDE

At many Thanksgiving celebrations in America, there’s a tradition for each person seated at the table to take a turn stating one thing for which they are thankful. There’s also a short prayer you can use at your holiday meal that’s included at the end of this post. I’ve been pondering the blessings for which I am grateful. Here are just a few:

• • This has been a challenging year for me. Yet, I am thankful that the Lord has given me comfort and peace. I’m grateful for new beginnings and hopeful for the days ahead.
  • I am thankful that God is faithful in all seasons—in the good times and the challenging times. I’m grateful that He is loving and kind, full of mercy, and totally dependable.
  • I am thankful I live in Colorado, a place with more than 300 sunny days each year and a stellar view of the snow-capped Rocky Mountains.
  • I am thankful for family and friends who love me, and whom I love in return.
  • I am thankful for meaningful work and the opportunity to be creative and resourceful with my gifts and talents.
  • And so much more.

• 3. MANAGE STRESS

• • Prepare early for your Thanksgiving meal. Ask for help, so you can be present for family and friends at the holiday celebration.
  • Cherish the time spent with your loved ones.
  • And if you can’t be with family and friends, make the day special for yourself. Order a delicious meal ahead of time, or make one, to enjoy on your own.
  • Handle conflicts calmly. For instance, have a few conversation topics ready if sensitive subjects come up. You can always say politely, “I’d rather not get into that today.”

Thankfulness leads to joy. And joy leads to peace. The good news is that we can be grateful every day of the year, not just on Thanksgiving.

So, what are you thankful for? Take some time to think about it. Tell others around your Thanksgiving Day table. And then express your appreciation to God.

May a grateful heart—and joy—be yours all through the year.

Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in every situation, by prayer and petition, 

with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

– Philippians 4:6-7

Here’s a Thanksgiving Day prayer to pray before the meal, or on your own. Feel free to share it with others.

Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Dear Lord, We humbly bow before You and we are grateful. Thank you for the beauty of Creation and the bounty of this Thanksgiving meal. We are grateful that You are our loving, kind, and faithful Father. With gratitude in our hearts, we thank You for all You are and all You have done for us. And we look forward with joyful hope for all that is to come. Bless this food, bless our family and friends, bless our nation, and all we hold dear. For Your Glory and Your Name’s Sake. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.