With everyone getting ready for Christmas already, I feel like poor Thanksgiving gets ignored. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays for several reasons.

Of course one reason is the food. Years ago my family would go down to Newport, AR to have Thanksgiving at my mother’s Uncle “Hobo’s” house (I forget why he was called “Hobo.” His real name was Bill). Uncle Hobo had an entire building behind his house just for food gatherings. There was always more than enough food, and more than enough people I may or may not know. When the meal was finished and everyone grabbed their plates, Uncle Hobo would sit off to the side and watch everyone. After preparing such a feast all he wanted to do was rest. I remember the organized chaos of that day; with everyone running around and talking over each other. These days Thanksgiving is a little less theatrical. My mother prepares Thanksgiving food now and more often than not, it’s just my parents, brother, and Jason and I.

For me, Thanksgiving is like the calm before the storm. It’s the last day before the holiday season officially kicks off. It’s the last day you can get away with not having any Christmas gifts bought yet. After Thanksgiving is over, you’re expected to have started your Christmas shopping or even be close to being finished. This is another reason I like Thanksgiving; a last good meal before you run yourself ragged getting ready for Christmas.

I don’t think we should wait until Thanksgiving to think about what we’re thankful for. Over the past couple of years, I’ve found myself having pity parties almost daily. I had to stop and realize all that I really did have to be thankful for. I try to remember everyday how blessed I truly am. Thankfulness is another reason I love Thanksgiving.

Every year, before I get the Christmas decorations out, I try to devote at least a couple of weeks to Thanksgiving by putting my Thanksgiving decorations out. There aren’t a lot of them and they usually don’t stay long, but I want them to at least see the light of day. This will probably be their last week on display.