I seem to mention this every year about this time.
Thanksgiving is truly among my favorite holidays and always has been. For the last 34 years or so, the holiday has served as a nice respite from the football grind. After going strong for 12-15 weeks or so, often dealing with junior high, high school and college teams, you need a break.
When the holiday arrives, it’s nice to put your feet up and not worry about having to be anywhere but the dinner table. I remember working for a newspaper, and the publisher told me on a Monday night to cover my basketball game, write it up that night, then he didn’t want to see me again until the following Monday. That was fantastic.
I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve been able to spend almost all of my Thanksgiving celebrations at home. I remember when my family moved from New Jersey to Florida 50 years ago. My sister and I were awed that we were able to go swimming on Thanksgiving Day! We stayed at the Holiday Inn in Melbourne, Fla., while we awaited our movers to get to our new home.
That evening, we found a restaurant in Satellite Beach, King Neptune’s Inn, where we had our traditional turkey and dressing. The place was packed, and the meal was fantastic. Six years later, because my grandfather was struggling with health issues, we celebrated Thanksgiving in Hattiesburg, Miss. I was able to sample my grandmother’s feast, which was exquisite.
I miss my folks during this time. They’ve both been gone a few years, but the holiday was a nice time. Last year was the first time that I spent the holiday by myself. But I’m competent in the kitchen and roasted a bird with all the fixings.
All that is fine and good. We always equate this holiday with eating. Sometimes, people say it’s sinful to have a feast so good.
But we should be mindful that this is a holiday for which we count our blessings. We may grouse about our jobs, the weather, our bills, our political leaders or the fact that we may have to work on Thanksgiving night, in advance of “Black Friday.”
Really, all that is small potatoes. There are folks out there dealing with real issues. Some folks have serious family decisions to make about sick relatives. Some are dealing with serious health issues. Some aren’t sure if they are going to be able to make their bills. You never know.
There are some folks out there who have no family. Nobody to call, nobody to share holiday greetings with.
So during this holiday season, try to pay it forward. If you have any food left over, make a plate for a lonely neighbor. Give someone a call or text and wish them the best this Thanksgiving. Also, if you can, do something charitable this season. A little bit goes a long way.
You’ll make someone’s day and you’ll feel better, too.
So whether you eat turkey, ham, prime rib or lasagna for the holiday, or just a TV dinner, have a safe and happy Thanksgiving from The Pressbox!
Jim Steele is a correspondent for Magic Valley Publishing and host of The Pressbox, which airs 4-6 p.m. CT, Monday-Thursday on 95.9 FM WRJB Camden, Tenn.
