I am going to spend Thanksgiving with my children-for the second year in a row.  It is kind of nice to just show up-(with the turkey of course)- no I don’t mean my wife, I mean the birds I smoked.  I will also be spending time with my son’s fiance’s parents for the first time.  Knowing their daughter, I know we will get along well and have a great time.

In one of the chapters in my soon to be released book, The Millionaire Nurse, I spend a great deal of time on quality of life issues.  Money and money problems, of course, is a common cause of family stress, and divorce.

But many families quality of life does not suffer because of money, as much as lack of focus.  Life is so hectic with both parents working, sports activities, dance, music for the kids.  All of the family tied to their phones and televisions-texting, facebooking, googleing, yahooing, tweeting-they spend little or no time face to face with no outside distractions.

So, during the next month between now and Christmas, plan to spend one evening a week with your family with the following restrictions:

1. Turn off phone, music, television, radio, video games or whatever other electronics that are going on.
2. Have a meal together that all in the family participate in preparing-even if that means chaos in the kitchen.
3. Before the meal, begin with a prayer of  thanks, or at least each member voicing what they are thankful for.
4. After the meal, cleanup should also be shared by everyone.
5. After the meal and cleanup, spend an hour or so looking at old pictures, remembering those relatives and friends who are no longer with us, play a game of cards, monopoly, or other slow-paced game that will allow time for talk and interaction.
6. Make each participant promise to not bring up any negatives, whether it is job loss, tight money, family illness or other stresses..
7. Take a moment and express thanks for a free country and for all those who have sacrificed now and in the past to keep us free.  Make a plan to ring the bell for the Salvation Army, or buy gifts for a needy family, or some other family event to help others in need.

Now, I don’t want to hear excuses-”I work nights!” ” We can’t eat without the tv on.”  “I don’t know how to cook.” “My husband won’t participate.” ” I am single, and have no friends.”

We are always able to accomplish that which we feel is important.  So rearrange your schedule, make a new friend, show the kids who is in charge, and I know that you know how to make your husband do what you want, now don’t you…..

I can guarantee, that your holiday season this year will be more meaningful, and remembered by each member of the family as the “Best Holiday Season Ever”.

So from my home and family to yours, Have a Great Thanksgiving.

And if you try my seven step method to a great holiday season, let us know how it goes.  Would love to hear and to share with others how your life and the life of your family was changed as I know it will be.