Next week many families gather for a time of food and fellowship. Our family will also, although we will be smaller in number than in some years. I think our highest number of family members and friends who have come together through the years is sixty-five. Yes, sixty-five! All seated, all with china turkey plates, sterling, and crystal. And lots of good food. This year we are going to the beach, and there will be thirty-eight of us. It will be a change for our family, going to the beach, without all of the resources, such as cooking items, we have had. But it will be fine, regardless. If we are missing something we think we need we will either get creative, go buy it, or do without it. After all, it really is just stuff, and stuffing!

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday. It is more about the people who gather together than the food, although the food is always delicious. And although most years our extended family has gathered in Raleigh for Thanksgiving, it really isn’t about where we are, as long as we are together. We will miss not having Dad and Uncle Barry with us, both of who passed away in recent years. We will miss having some other family members with us as well, who are not making the trip for various reasons. Those of us who gather will continue our traditions while making new ones.

We all know that while the holidays with family are wonderful, they can also be stressful. If we remember why we make the effort to get together, and it really isn’t about the food, and mind our manners, we can have an enjoyable and nourishing (in more ways than food) time. You may not need to be reminded of this, but I know I do!

We have so much to be grateful for, in spite of our challenges, and we should not lose sight of that. I remember, as you do as well, the one or two years that COVID precluded us from getting together. This season of togetherness is to be treasured. We never know when some in our midst this year may be gone from us next year.

Let’s remember those less fortunate than us, and reach out and give to those in need. Let’s keep any negative thoughts to ourselves, refusing to let anything dampen the little time we have with loved ones. Let’s jump in and do our part to make our celebration come together, not allowing a few to carry the load for the rest of us. When we close the door on Thanksgiving 2022 let’s all be able to proclaim it was a wonderful time together.

For if we have family that chooses to get together, we are Grateful, Thankful, and Blessed.

Happy Thanksgiving!