A few years ago, I was invited to a Thanksgiving meal with friends who included two new arrivals from South Africa. As we passed the mashed potatoes and drooled on the buttered rolls, the South African woman stopped everyone and asked, "So, this holiday is all about eating and being thankful. That's it?"

We laughed. Sure, there's a little more to it than that -- history, family, parades and football -- but, yes, the essence of the holiday is about eating and being thankful.

That's when I shared one of my favorite Thanksgiving Day traditions: The Thankful List.

It's probably not a new tradition for many of you, but for those -- like me -- from families where tradition falls a flat who are looking to create some of your own, this one is easy, free, accessible to all ages and a great way to warm your heart on Thanksgiving.

The thankful list can be as long or short as you'd like it to be, as deep or as shallow. It can be written and stored for posterity or noted only in your mind. You can share it, or not. There are no rules, just a reminder to stop for a moment each year to acknowledge the good stuff going down in your world.

So, what are you thankful for?

I'm not the only one who writes thankful lists: