I can't remember sitting down with my kids and ever asking them what they are thankful for. I just remember asking them why they don't want to eat turkey.
But this year, I'm making them tell me what they are thankful for because for the first time our Thanksgiving is only going to include immediate family—my hubby and our two girls.
For more than 10 years we have driven up to our cousin Joy's family home in Monroe for Thanksgiving.
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We leave at 9 a.m. to beat the traffic, and spend the day walking around the beautiful area, spotting deer, and then in Joy's big, warm kitchen as she prepares a multi-course meal for 30. The rest of the clan arrives by 5 p.m.
This year, Joy is renovating and spending it at her in-laws, and the rest of our family has taken the opportunity to travel.
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My in-laws are going to Katz's Deli in Manhattan; It's going to be an unconventional holiday for us.
Traditions are extremely important to kids. When I told the girls that we wouldn't be spending it with our cousins this year, they gave me a look of real concern.
There was a sigh of relief and smiles re-appeared when I told them the four of us would still be together, and we'd come up with a fun new family tradition.
Just knowing that they still want to be with us, well, that was thanks enough.