Thanksgiving has always been about families getting together, having fun, and eating turkey, At least since the late 1930’s when Thanksgiving became a national holiday.

Which was before we had iPhones, tablets, and computers! Back then, people actually talked with one another, even during the football games to the chagrin of many of the men in the house once TV’s football joined the party.

But technology has exploded, making our lives easier — but more complex at the same time. Numerous articles have been written about how technology interferes with relationships and how 24-7 work weeks are taking its toll on the ability of our body and mind to relax and rejuvenate.

Yet, curiously we voluntarily hug our technology close.

So this Thanksgiving, let’s all think about what we could be missing by not shutting off our phones, laptops, and games.

In an article written by Dr. Larry Rosen entitled: Our Obsessive Relationship With Technology, he finds the obsessive of us live by the motto, ‘What would I miss?’ Some people call this FOMO–Fear of Missing Out–but by choosing to not miss out on their virtual social world they are missing out on their real social world right in front of their face.”

Even though Thanksgiving should be about everyone getting along fabulously, surrounded by love and appreciation, in the real world that may not be the case. But using technology to avoid strained relationships can only make things worse.

Here’s a tip that works wonders for me. Rather than dread an interaction with a tiresome uncle or crabby cousin, use visualization beforehand. Imagine yourself staying true to yourself while interacting in a friendly and supportive way, even with the people you may not like.

Change the dynamic in your mind.

Visualization involves recreating all the images, sounds, and feelings in your mind about an activity that you might be dreading. But the goal is to see it differently. Imagine the other person as friendly and pleasant, and completely the opposite of what bothers you.

You may also want to try something different this Thanksgiving when this happens.

Employ the Jedi mind trick! Ask a question of your senior and learn something. Ask, “What were you doing during World War II?” Or, “Tell me the funniest thing that ever happened to you when you were 25.”

Inside every old person in a young person crying for release. Getting bored with our senior’s same old stories is as much our fault as it is theirs!

All anyone wants is to be valued, and ignoring family and friends because of our technology is an accidental insult. Don’t let it happen.

So, rather than sit around like this this Thanksgiving:

Introduce a new tradition. Play a game – the dictionary game, Pictionary, or charades! Maybe someone plays an instrument and you can all sing. Go outside and play Frisbee.

Interact! It’s what life is about.

If you haven’t played the dictionary game it’s hysterical. Everyone gets a piece of paper and a pen. One person opens the dictionary and chooses a word that presumably no one else knows, says the word aloud, and spells it. Everyone then makes up a definition and reads them off one by one. Pass the dictionary around so everyone has a turn. Finally, the one with the most right answers (or outrageous answers) wins — but seriously speaking… no need for scoring.

Just have fun!

There is plenty of time for the virtual world later!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

For more information on family dynamics, check out my post on Family Holiday Gatherings – A Survival Guide.

Tune in next week for my article on Habits.

Thanks for viewing.

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