Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, a day when families and friends come together in a social atmosphere to celebrate a time dedicated to being thankful for nature’s bounty.

The tradition taught to school children is that Thanksgiving was a time when the Pilgrims and the Indians came together to share food from their ample fall harvest. The day began as a symbol of cooperation, bountiful feasts and the spirit of friendship.

Today, while much of the original traditions have long gone, the day continues to be one for feasting, family and togetherness.

This year, try to infuse some thankfulness into your day by asking those at your table to offer their own tales of gratitude.

If you have a member of an older generation who lived through deprivation in the last century, ask them to tell stories to the young ones who have never been without.

If you have a current or former military member with you, ask them to tell tales of life in war zones, occupied countries and of eating MRI’s heated on the engine of a truck to remind your guests that not everyone will have such a large feast on this day.

If you have someone who has lived or traveled abroad, ask them to share stories of the things they’ve seen and experienced and why they’re thankful to be American.

If you have a farmer in your family, ask them to talk about all the ways their livelihood has changed through the years and why all should be grateful for the food on the table and the hands that put it there.

If you have the time, call friends and family, and anyone who might be alone on Thanksgiving, to tell them how thankful you are to know them and how much they mean to you.

Before you get caught up in the next holiday, stop, even if just for a moment, and be thankful for your life and its many blessings.