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With Thanksgiving a week away and Christmas a little over a month out, we are reminded just how special this time of year can be.

For me, the two holidays are filled with many family memories. Growing up, we would gather at my grandmother’s house and enjoy a meal at lunch and dinner. Each family would bring a dish, and we would savor the moments we had together. Family would come from all over to reminisce and fill the others in on updates in our lives. Sadly, we lost Granny my senior year of high school in October, and the family tradition ended when her home was put up for sale. She went home to be with the Lord at the age of 91.

Thanksgiving is not just a day to stuff your mouth full of food and go back for a second plate. It is a day to truly appreciate what you have and a reminder that not everyone is as fortunate. We should be grateful for what we have and not what we want to have. In my personal opinion, quality takes precedence over quantity. Instead of giving attention to the numerical value of something, substance and depth should be grabbing the spotlight.

Christmas is the most joyous holiday of all, and it’s only fitting the best is saved for last. Sure, decorating is nice and enjoyable as is exchanging gifts with others. The playing of Christmas music is always fun, but the true meaning lies way beyond all that. Just look to the name and understand for whom the holiday is named after. It is a day to acknowledge the birth of Jesus Christ to the Virgin Mary in Bethlehem and celebrated worldwide. Everyone has a different way to celebrate Christmas, but it’s exciting to see the uniqueness attributed to the special day.

Thanksgiving and Christmas are not just two days circled on the calendar in November and December each year. They are much more than that and should be celebrated rightfully so. Please appreciate the small things in life and respect the fact others may not be in the same shoes. We are blessed to be alive and understand they only come but once a year. Bundle up for the winter and keep those jackets, scarves, gloves, and blankets nearby. May God bless you all during the holiday season and keep you safe and sound.