FAMILY blog
s much as I look forward to a traditional family
Thanksgiving meal, it can be hard to really
slap on a name tag and eagerly jump in to help.

The experience was such a positive and inspiring way
embrace the “Thanks” part of the holiday. Diane
to start our day, and an annual tradition I’d like to foster.

Turner Maller’s article on page 10 gives simple
I probably wouldn’t have considered signing up for this
and realistic advice on small ways to cultivate an “attitude
volunteer opportunity when my kids were younger, but
of gratitude” within your family year-round. One of her
as they are getting older and more mature, our family
recommendations is to be of service.

traditions are also evolving.

Volunteering with your kids is such a meaningful and
Another holiday twist I’m adding to the mix this year
tangible way of showing them they can make a difference
is signing us up for a Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot.

in this world. And in turn, it can make them more grateful
These community events have grown in popularity and
for the things – big and small – they have to be thankful
abundance, and we’ve put together a list of local races for
for. Last year, my family experienced this firsthand when
your reference on pages 32-34.

a local charity was soliciting volunteers on Christmas
morning to prepare meals and gifts to distribute to the
homeless in our area.

The 8:30 a.m. event start time gave me pause, however.

I have two teenagers who value their sleep, to put it mildly.

The thrill of rising at the crack of dawn to excitedly open
their Christmas gifts had worn off, and they now prefer a
lazily-paced morning instead. Undeterred, I emailed the
organization and signed us up. Then I held my breath as I
broke the news to the family.

Again, my teenagers will not be smiling about an
early morning wake-up, especially one that also involves
running, but that’s the plan. The registration fee goes
toward a good cause, and we can eat those marshmallow-
laced sweet potatoes and have an extra piece of pumpkin
pie later in the day guilt free. (That’s part of my family
marketing pitch at least!)
Wish me luck as I break the news…and from our
FAMILY to yours, Happy Thanksgiving!
I received some push back with the timing, but overall,
was impressed that my family (mostly) supported the
plan. I wouldn’t say they were thrilled, but they rose early
without too much complaint and we headed to the church
that was hosting the event. My kids’ eyes got wide (as
did mine, I admit) when we saw the massive amount of
volunteers who had also gotten up early to be of service.

Dozens of people were already busy wrapping donations
and preparing food. It made my heart proud to see my kids
6 November 2016 washingtonFAMILY.com
Debbie Williams
Managing Editor
Washington FAMILY Magazine
dwilliams@thefamilymagazine.com



November 5–27 | Family Theater
Get ready for wordplay in this world premiere commission from playwright Finegan Kruckemeyer–set in a city where language is
rationed, a sentence can get you sentenced, the silent are rising, and a word can change the world. Age 9+
TICKETS ON SALE NOW! (202) 467-4600 | KENNEDY-CENTER.ORG
Tickets also available at the Box Office. Groups (202) 416-8400
For all other ticket-related customer service inquiries, call the Advance Sales Box Office at (202) 416-8540.

Bank of America is the Presenting Sponsor of Performances for Young Audiences.

Additional support for Where Words Once Were is provided by
The Clark Charitable Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation;
Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education.

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Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by
David and Alice Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program.

International Programming at the Kennedy Center is made possible through the generosity of the
Kennedy Center International Committee on the Arts.

Kennedy Center education and related artistic programming is made possible through the generosity of
the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.

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