Dr. Ray Guarendi and his wife, Randi, have ten children who are all grown. Dr. Ray says, "One of the traditions we had early on [is that] we would invite priests who were here from other countries." In more recent years, the Guarendi family goes around the table, each saying a reason why he or she is grateful to the Lord.

Also, Dr. Ray offers advice for the upcoming seasons of Advent and Christmas. He says, "Do not make Christmas become a project so much so that you say ‘I can’t wait until this is all over.’"

"Particularly at Thanksgiving, I am reminded of the Scripture (Luke 17:11-17) of the ten lepers whom Jesus healed.

Sadly, only one came back to thank Jesus for His amazing gift of healing mercy. This Scripture passage reminds us to give thanks to the Blessed Trinity daily for all the many blessings in our lives.

For Thanksgiving, our family has the tradition to go around the dinner table, having each person list those things for which they are most grateful, e.g.: salvation, health, family, peace, reliance on God, a vocation, employment, our faith, holy priests, the Sacraments, etc.

Additionally, calling or texting friends who have blessed my life, especially those I don't speak with often, is another favorite personal tradition on Thanksgiving.

While we have a few good food recipes that are family traditions too, thanking God daily, and particularly at Thanksgiving, is a sure recipe for showing our love to God in return for all the good He constantly showers upon us. And, I am reminded of my late mom’s famous saying, 'When God blesses you with a good parking place, make sure you thank Him, or you may not get that good parking spot next time you ask!'

People and God appreciate when we show our gratitude for their generosity and love.

God’s blessings to you and your family this Thanksgiving and throughout the year!"

"In my Italian family, it seems as though everyone starts in the kitchen and pretty much ends up in the kitchen. So, in my home, I like to have family and friends gather around the center island of the kitchen and begin by sharing an amazing appetizer. Of course, we always begin with prayer and grace before the meal. Usually, the first order is the drinks. Whether it’s a fine wine or sparkling mineral water (Pellegrino), we prefer to use long-stemmed wine glasses to add to the experience. We always have Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin/Michael Buble/Connie Francis-type music playing as the guests enter our home. We also have the lighting very relaxing and a bit dimmer than normal. No TVs are on, and phones are left at the door. When our guests enter the kitchen, they are usually overwhelmed by the gigantic Antipasto waiting for them. It is a meat and cheese board that is so colorful it sort of resembles the Italian flag."

Debbie continues, "At every American meal, in my family, we always added an Italian dish or touch. The Antipasto seems to be a real hit with our family and friends. It’s fun to make, very beautiful to look at, and delicious to eat family style ... the Italian way."

"It’s such an American moment for us as immigrants. And so I would just say that it’s really beautiful in our family, not being American, being Mexican and being naturalized citizens, how Thanksgiving has become truly an important moment in our family where we always spend it together. We’re all over the country, and my immediate family always spends it together.

Christmas is a moment to make sure that spiritually we’re in the right place, that we’re focused on our Lord, that we’re not focused on presents and consumerism. Thanksgiving really is that moment for us to come together and be grateful that we have this country, that we are here, and that we get to be together, that we’re not separated – and that, thank God, spiritually, we’re also alive in Christ together as a family. So we have so much to be grateful for.

It almost feels like it’s a Christian tradition much more than a secular tradition to come together in gratitude."