The spirit of the holiday

November is a lovely month to be in New York. So festive and so many happenings throughout the five boroughs as we lead into the Thanksgiving holiday. Our calendar is full of terrific events to engage your family and most of them are free.

It’s an important time to think of others who may be alone, may be ill, or just in need of an invite to whatever festivities your family is planning. Try to reach out and see if there’s someone in your life with nowhere to go who would be an appreciative guest in your home, at your table.

A wonderful part of this holiday is the spirit behind the day. Reaching out to others, helping someone else to have a feeling of “family” who doesn’t have one of their own nearby, is something that can make you and your kids feel more engaged in this special spirit. In addition, it begins life lessons for your children that are invaluable and that reach out beyond the borders of your individual lives.

New York is filled with newcomers from all over the globe who are perhaps far away from their loved ones and what a great feeling to share your table with them and to introduce them to this wonderful national holiday of Thanksgiving.

There are great holiday shows beginning throughout the five boroughs that you should definitely be taking your kids to — and why not be novel indeed and go to something in a borough outside your own residence.

If you log on to our website, www.NYPar‌entin‌g.com, not only will you find our expanded calendar, but also if you sign on to get our newsletter you will receive wonderful reminders every week and get the links to connect with loads of activities.

This is my favorite holiday. I say it every year and it’s because I mean it. It’s also my favorite parade and watching it with your kids, whether in person or on TV, is a parent’s gift.

Wishing all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. Stay healthy, and let us all be grateful for the abundance we have and for the relative peace around us. Think of all those around the world who are struggling with basic survival and kiss your children and hold them close.

Thanks for reading.