I know most people are ready for Christmas — Hallmark Christmas movies are on, retail stores are playing Christmas carols, and decorations are up. I know a handful of people who have already finished their Christmas shopping, and one has even wrapped all the gifts. Slow down folks! Let’s not rush through November, and let’s enjoy some Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is one of the most overlooked holidays (my opinion) but one of my favorites. Fall is here, which means cool weather, warm jackets, fluffy blankets, a fire, people in a giving mood, and let’s not forget the fun coffee flavors that magically appear this time of year. I am hoping everyone takes the time to enjoy the month of November and remember what Thanksgiving is really about this year. I think we all need to hear this advice (I know I do) during the crazy year of 2020.

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude. When my kids were younger and still living at home, we used to have a gratitude jar where we would write all the things we were thankful for during the month of November. We would read it aloud during our thanksgiving meal. It was always funny, sentimental, loving, and sometimes a bit crazy! You never know what kids are thinking. This year, I am grateful for a loving husband, healthy and happy kids, a fabulous view every morning, a new puppy, and time to reflect and slow down and enjoy daily life. What are you grateful for?

Thanksgiving is a time for sharing. My husband and I were talking about Christmas gifts this year; we really don’t need anything. I had the same conversation with my kids. Although they do want a few things — kids always do — we all decided that it would be better if we gave back this year. Even though this is part of our yearly routine, we decided to share more of ourselves this year. We are going to support local families and friends and provide our support, time and talents to our community. There are so many ways to share; it is not about money but more about sharing talents and time. How might you share your talents and time?

Thanksgiving is about love. Families and friends gather together and share stories and laughter. Things may be different this year with limited family gatherings but I do believe that families will still gather remotely and share stories, laughter and love. I think if COVID has taught us anything it is that we will figure out a way to stay social using whatever digital method we prefer. We may limit gatherings, but we will not limit our ability to be social and to connect and love each other.

Thanksgiving is for food — I am talking about turkey. My dear friend and colleague, pork chop, may comment below and say that his table will have a ham, but I am pretty sure most families will be sharing a turkey. The turkey is the centerpiece of the meal and the table and there are usually many ahhhh, yummms and ooooohs as it is pulled out of the oven. There is nothing better than the smell of turkey cooking Thanksgiving morning. (Well, maybe the pumpkin pie but that’s usually made the day before.) Don’t forget to support our industry — frozen or fresh, injected (always better) or not, eat turkey.

Thanksgiving is for leftovers. Turkey is the gift that keeps on giving, for days. There is nothing better than making that left-over turkey into favorites like a turkey pot pie, turkey enchiladas or a turkey noodle soup. With that said, please make sure you read and follow USDA guidance on leftover preparations and food safety.

Move over Christmas and let’s tell Santa to hold up for a bit longer while we enjoy our Thanksgiving holiday. I hope you each have a happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, sharing, love, food (turkey), and leftovers. If you have a favorite turkey leftover recipe, please post below. If you need a great recipe, visit the National Turkey Federation website.

Move over Christmas, It’s turkey time

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