Thanksgiving is quickly approaching!

The holidays are the most exciting time of the year, in my opinion. The first sign of the coming holidays is Thanksgiving, and it's the time of year when we start seeing a shift in everything-from what people wear, to the different foods we see at the supermarket-like the different colored pumpkins and squash, for example.
Thanksgiving is a very nice season because we get to be especially thankful for everything that we have, and also be reminded that we can give to those in need. We are quickly reminded of how fortunate we are, and how most of us occasionally take things for granted, or not appreciate them in other words. Traditionally on Thanksgiving day, families very happily gather together and excitedly eat turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and much more! Some people may silently think that over eating (eating too much) on Thanksgiving is actually the opposite of what we should be doing. Instead, maybe we could be dutifully helping at a homeless shelter, or gleefully helping out a family in need in any way we can.
The point is, we should all try to change the way Thanksgiving is celebrated and make it much more than just eagerly eating a big plate of food. Let's be the example and be the change we would like to see in the world!

Vocabulary

especially- more than usually, very
quickly- in a fast or quick manner
occasionally- from time to time
excitedly- enthusiastic and eager about something
silently- in a quiet manner
dutifully- doing what is expected of you
gleefully- a strong feeling of happiness
eagerly- interested about something

Vocabulary Exercise Let's try it out!
Please fill in the blanks using the above vocabulary.

1. I see that she is very hungry, because she is ________ eating everything on her plate. (very interested)
2. We could not even see him, because he was running so ___________. (fast)
3. I know I have to go to school and do my homework, and I __________ do so every day. (what is expected)
4. She _________ skipped down the street because she was so happy to have helped a friend in need! (happily)
5. The mouse _________ moved through the floor and it was a surprise to us all. (quiet)
6. It is ok to ___________ eat a lot, like in Thanksgiving, but we should always give to those in need. (sometimes)
7. My mother __________ prepared Thanksgiving dinner for our family because she was singing and dancing in the kitchen. (enthusiastic)
8. The holidays are __________ important for all families because they get together and enjoy each other's company. (very)

Grammar Point

Adverbs are fun! They make each sentence more interesting and descriptive. They are defined by words that modify verbs, like in my entry above. I used several adverbs to describe a special time of year, like Thanksgiving. By using them, I was able to describe what I wanted to say in a more descriptive manner and paint a brighter and more interesting picture for the reader. In your own words, write three sentences using at least one adverb to describe the holidays in your home. For extra credit, write two more sentences telling me what your traditions are at home at this time of year, I am excitedly waiting to find out!