Sometimes it seems like food and football are the major components of the traditional Thanksgiving. However, the heart of the holiday calls for so much more.

Thanksgiving is a wonderful occasion for children and adults to think about all they have to be thankful for. Seemingly, most of us get so engaged with our busy lives that we have little time to really reflect on everything that we have. Now is a great time to show appreciation. Below we've listed ideas that can help add meaning to your Thanksgiving holiday.

• Give thanks to family members. Thank them for something they did or said during the last year to encourage you. It could even be something amusing.
• Take up a food collection. Ask everyone invited to dinner to bring some non-perishable items to donate to a local food bank.
• Volunteer your time at a local shelter or soup kitchen.
• Have everyone write a "thankful toast" that they have to deliver before eating, thanking those who are dear to them and those who have made a difference in their lives.
• Make a Thanksgiving basket for someone special to show your gratitude.
• Arrange a visit to a local nursing home during the week of Thanksgiving. Some residents have no family or visitors. Spend time by reading or just talking to help brighten their day.

It may be a little difficult to embrace the true essence of Thanksgiving during these challenging economic times. But consider what you do have, and show appreciation to those that matter most in your life.