Months ago I ordered two items from my cousin's Pampered Chef event.  I'm always trying to think ahead so I ordered twenty of each item.  As soon as all forty items arrived in the mail, I stored them away knowing that eventually I would have to come up with a creative way to turn those items into Thoughtful Pinches for the teachers. Yikes! Thanksgiving is around the corner so it's time to dust off one of those items to give away!  

I'm feeling a little pressured because I try not to give typical gifts for all the holidays. In fact, I usually give super random gifts and this holiday is no exception.  I also don't want to spend a lot of money on wishing Happy Thanksgiving to people.  Fortunately, this holiday is not a popular gift-giving holiday. So I'm pretty sure any gift is a bonus, right? Ah, I feel much better now; the pressure is off. 

A couple of years ago we gave the teachers little bags of "blessing mix" made with some Thanksgiving symbols and we attached this note explaining why we chose certain foods: Thanksgiving Blessing Mix: The "Bugles" are the symbol of the Cornucopia or Horn of Plenty, a symbol of our nation’s abundance. The pretzels represent arms folded in thanks and prayer. The candy corn reminds us that during the first winter, food was so scarce that the pilgrims survived on just a few kernels of corn a day. The (pistachios) nuts or seeds represent the potential of a bounteous harvest for the next season. One will reap only if seeds are planted and tended with diligence. The M&Ms are for the memories of those who came before us and lead us into a blessed future. The Hershey Kisses (Hugs) represents the love of family and friends that sweetens our lives. We are blessed to have you in our lives, (heart symbol) The Patons. 

What's really cool is that this year one of the teachers remembered that blessing mix and asked me for the "recipe" so she could make it with her students.  It made me feel great to know that she remembered who gave her the blessing mix and that she felt it was worthy to pass along! 

Last year we gave the teachers a Trader Joe's Cinnamon Sugar Grinder. This spice jar is one of our favorites -  we use it at least once a week.  We sprinkle some over buttered toast, grind some onto our oatmeal and stir some into our tea. Now you see what I mean about random gifts. Well, hang on - there is some relevance to the Pilgrims who used spices frequently back in the day. Cinnamon was commonly used.  See folks, any one can make any thing about Thanksgiving but let's keep it thoughtful.  

This year the teachers are getting toaster tongs from Pampered Chef.  That's right, the bamboo "tweezers" for getting those pieces of toast out of the toaster. Now there's no reason to burn your finger tips anymore.  What does toast have to do with T-day? Nothing. Until you think about it.  Most people give a toast before diving into their troth of delicious food. Or maybe they say a prayer or grace. Some may even sing before eating.  Some may simply say thank you. It's basically a toast any way you slice it.  I know, there's nothing festive about toaster tongs but isn't it a creative way to give a practical gift? Again, the possibilities are endless. 

In the spirt of Thanksgiving we pause to remember it is all about giving thanks and not about giving gifts. Which seems like a direct contradiction to what my post is all about today. However, being thankful is a lot like being thoughtful. Most of the time, they go hand in hand.  Imagine being thoughtful while you are being thankful. So you know what? Sometimes a toaster tong is the best way to show your gratitude and I will toast to that! Cheers!

Pinches,

Barb