Every Thanksgiving, Steve and Loreal Sarkisian gather with their family and friends to celebrate the holiday. They share a meal, play games, and make memories. But there is one tradition that is particularly special to Loreal. It's a tradition that was taught to her by her mother, and it's one that she has continued with her own family.
"My mom always taught me that Thanksgiving is a time to be grateful for what we have," Loreal said. "She would always say, 'Even if you don't have much, you can always find something to be thankful for.'
Loreal's mother's words have always stuck with her. And they have inspired her to make gratitude a priority in her own life.
"I'm so grateful for my family, my friends, and my health," Loreal said. "I'm also grateful for the opportunity to live in this country. We are so blessed. And I just want to make sure that my children know how lucky they are."
To help her children appreciate all that they have, Loreal started a tradition of having them write down three things they are thankful for each Thanksgiving.
"It's a great way to get them thinking about all the good things in their lives," Loreal said, "It's also a good reminder for me of all the things I have to be thankful for."
Loreal's children love the tradition of writing down what they're thankful for. "It's fun to think about all the good things in my life," Loreal's son, Cole, said. "And it's a good way to remember all the people who love me."
Loreal's Thanksgiving tradition is a beautiful way to teach children about the importance of gratitude. It's also a great way to remind adults of all the good things in their lives.
"Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings in our lives," Loreal said. "And it's a time to give thanks for all the people who make our lives richer."
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