Every culture has its own unique holidays that create an atmosphere of coziness and warmth in the family. For me, as a mother, the most important aspect of holidays has always been the idea of family values. Recently, I've been thinking about how this principle intersects with traditions in other countries. Specifically, about Thanksgiving in the United States.

This holiday in America is not just a day off when the whole family gathers around the holiday table, it is a true tradition that symbolizes gratitude for all the good things in life. On this day people express gratitude for their loved ones, health, successes and joys of the year. Not only relatives, but also friends gather around the table, and often organize picnics in the fresh air, which adds a special coziness and warmth.
In Ukraine, of course, there is no such tradition as Thanksgiving Day. But we have our own holidays, which are also filled with family spirit. We celebrate Christmas, Easter, as well as national holidays when we gather around the table as a family. On these days we share what was important and happy in our lives, discuss concerns, rejoice and support each other. I want my son to understand the value of these moments - family unity, fellowship, sincere gratitude for what we have. Through holidays like Thanksgiving, I try to explain to him that every day it is important to be thankful for your family, your friends, your country, and even the smallest joys of life. It helps us to be strong and move forward. Thanksgiving in the United States and Ukrainian holiday traditions are two different worlds, but they have one thing in common: family and gratitude. I hope that my family, despite all the differences in cultures, will always feel united and strong, and that my son will carry these values into his life no matter where we are.

These are the traditions that I want to pass on to my son: respect, love and gratitude should be the foundation of his life. After all, even in the most difficult situations, it is important not to forget that we have each other, and that is already a great value.

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone who celebrates Thanksgiving, and to all of us - family warmth and love!