Thanks is for Giving

Happy Thanksgiving to all of our American friends! It's a beautiful day here and we hope it's the same where you are.

On a day like today, there's no better way to celebrate than to reflect on what Thanksgiving is really all about. Sure, there's lots of turkey and stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy, pumpkin pie and other yummy treats. But, aside from all the wonderful bounties we enjoy, today is a day for giving thanks.

It's always been a tradition in our house to go around the table before we start our meal, and have each person express gratitude for something. It's such a great example to set for the children, as give thanks for everything we have - our food, clothing, shelter, wonderful relationships with our friends and loved ones and much, much more.

We have so much to be grateful for, and it's nice to remember that many others around the world - and some in our own communities - aren't as fortunate. Today, and every day, let's make gratitude our attitude. :)

Wishing a wonderful Thanksgiving to you and your families from all of us here at Oliver's Labels!

We Remember

As a child, I have vivid memories of Remembrance Day ceremonies at school. They were solemn, thoughtful, touching and heart-felt. We not only learned about the many veterans who gave so much for our freedom, but also why their actions were needed in times when human rights and democracy were threatened. Even at such a young age, I understood these lessons because they were taught with such authenticity. We were visited by veterans, who shared their stories first-hand with us; we created poppies to be placed on our school memorial; we wrote thank-you cards to the men and women who served their country. These were powerful lessons that still resonate with me.

Fast-forward to today… my school-age daughter is being taught about our history and the important role of veterans. At the tender age of four, she is learning gratitude and respect through the experiences of real men and women who fought for us. And she, too, has created a poppy (her first!) to place in our window – a reminder that we should never, ever forget.

On this day every year let us stop, take a few moments out of our busy day, and remember the men and women, both at home and abroad, who have made sacrifices so we can be free. 

To them, we say Thank You.