Traditionally, holiday times are family times.  However, when we've lost someone we love, the yearly arrival of holidays can be painful instead of festive.  However, over the years, I've received so many messages from the spirits about holidays, food and family, that they've provided a template creating new "spirited" Thanksgiving celebrations.  Here are some suggestions for including our loved ones in spirit as we approach Thanksgiving.  Each person and every family can adapt these suggestions to suit their particular situation.

1.  Celebrate by giving thanks. 

Now this might seem an obvious point, but a loved one's death can make us feel anything but grateful.  However, I've learned from the spirits that gratitude paves the way for connection.

One of the simplest ways of giving thanks is to sit quietly and thank the person in spirit directly.  Thank a brother for his great sense of humor or a friend for her support during difficult times.  These experiences we've shared on earth cannot be taken from us - - even by death.

2.  Celebrate by remembering the good times. 

It is a natural during holiday celebrations to reminisce about other family gatherings.  During a phone session on Thanksgiving Eve, a father in spirit flashed a picture of a dog with a turkey in its mouth into my mind.  The mother and daughter on the other end of the phone laughed while explaining that Dad had dropped the turkey on the floor one Thanksgiving Day and their dog, Lady, had dragged it off in her mouth.  

Loved ones in spirit remember the good times, too.  And they laugh with us.

3. Celebrate by doing an activity that the one you love enjoyed.

During a phone session, a young man mentioned Hawaii and surfing.  His mother acknowledged that they went to Hawaii every Thanksgiving week and that her son was a surfing buff.  However, they couldn't bear taking the trip the year her son died, but were thinking of going back.  Her son in spirit demonstrated his enthusiasm for the idea by making the phone line crackle.  There was more crackling when his mother mentioned that she wanted to take a surfing lesson.

Loved ones in spirit share our new experiences and cheer us on.

4. Celebrate by cooking a favorite family recipe or going out to a restaurant that a loved one enjoyed.

In nearly every session, food is mentioned.  This is not because the spirits need it for their nourishment, but because celebrations, family, friends and food go together.  A "home cooked meal" has become an iconic idea.  At a November event one year, a grandmother in spirit mentioned her granddaughter's efforts to recreate her family's favorite five spice cake.  Unfortunately, this grandmother hadn't written down the recipe and wanted her granddaughter to know that she was helping her in the kitchen.

Loved ones in spirit share in our family traditions.

5.        Celebrate by giving to someone in need.

The spirits often touch on the subject of helping others.  During a session two days after Thanksgiving one year, a mother in spirit showed me baskets and cornucopias spilling over with food.  Then I smelled soup, turkey soup.  And then I heard the words, "Thank you."  The woman's daughter knew immediately that her mother was referring to a family tradition of preparing food baskets for their church to distribute on Thanksgiving.  After her mother's passing, her loving daughter started a new tradition of serving turkey soup at the church the day after Thanksgiving as a loving tribute to her mother.  Her mother appreciated her actions.

Loved ones in spirit inspire us to help others which can help us manage our own grief as well.

6. Celebrate by becoming more aware.

We can celebrate Thanksgiving (and everyday in fact) by becoming more aware of how loved ones may be communicating with us directly.  This awareness may begin by spending a few minutes each day with a quieted mind and an attitude of gratitude. 

Don't be surprised if your loved ones in spirit begin to make their presence known in a variety of ways.   They may show up in holiday photos as orbs or streaks.  In my book, I'm Not Dead, I'm Different, I discuss many different ways that the spirits may announce their presence as well as provide specific exercises for developing your awareness and connections to those living in the spirit world.

Loved ones in spirit may show up during holiday celebrations in unexpected ways.

By including your loved ones in your holiday celebrations (and all your celebrations) you're inviting them to remain connected and continue to guide you with their love.