On this Canadian thanksgiving weekend it’s only natural, and even expected, to reflect upon the things we are thankful for. Last night, I spent the evening with the McCarthy side of the family to celebrate and eat too much. It also happened to be my husband’s birthday. He always claims that a national holiday was declared to give thanks for his birth, but I think the origins go back even further than that.

I am convinced that most people, when asked what they are most thankful for, will say family, friends, good health and perhaps prosperity. It could be all of the above, or it could be only one or two, but those seem to be the most common. I’m also guilty of falling back on the old standbys.

Should we be looking outside the box a little? For instance, should I say I’m thankful the western world wasn’t obliterated by a nuclear attack? I imagine most people would agree with me, but do we really want to bring it up? It could be a bit of a downer at a dinner party.

Should people be honest and say something along the lines of: I’m thankful my boss broke his leg skiing this year and was out of the office for six weeks? That’s a bit nasty, and you would run the risk of it getting back to your boss if you declared something like that.

What if someone said: I’m thankful the terrible rash in an unmentionable place cleared up quickly with those powerful antibiotics? Gross, and also inappropriate to discuss over turkey and mashed potatoes.

So what if we fall back on the old standbys?  They happen to be true. I am thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. I am thankful that we are all in good health. I’m thankful to have good friends. And, I’m thankful to have a job I enjoy, a nice house to live in, and food on the table.

If they’re common, it’s because they’re important.

Please comment and let me know what you are most thankful for. For my American counterparts, consider it practice for your own Thanksgiving celebrations.

Thanks.