There has been a change in the air, the leaves have gone from green to orange, trick or treaters have gathered their treats, and now it’s time for…Christmas! But wait, isn’t there supposed to be another holiday somewhere in there?! Indeed, it’s Thanksgiving, the holiday that in recent years seems to come and go with very little attention. The stores seem to go from Halloween to Christmas with barely a mention of the great holiday that falls in between.

With the exception of the decorating and fun dress up that we all get to take part in on Halloween it seems that because of its less exciting ad qualities Thanksgiving is relegated to the ‘if you blink you’ll miss it shelf.’ I for one love Thanksgiving. It’s the one holiday befitting of nature’s tones and that is the best precursor for the upcoming Christmas season. I suppose there is a bit of frustration given how close in proximity Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas are. However, what I dislike is in the haste to hock their wares stores forget to remind (and sell to us) those things that remind us to be thankful.

In my adulthood I have begun to view Thanksgiving as a truly adult holiday as we are often the ones who can and will appreciate the homeliness of being with family and friends. I love getting together with family, many of whom you may not have seen for quite some time, and express how you really feel about them and the things you’re thankful for in your life. Let’s be real, it’s not as often anymore that we take the time to say ‘thank you’ or ‘I appreciate you.’ Thanksgiving is the perfect time to do so.

Then there’s the amazing food. Mine is an island family and so we don’t just have the standard turkey and stuffing (although that’s present too), we come together and honor our heritage and spend time chatting, laughing, and simply being in each other’s company. Often times there are several friendly games of dominoes, time spent viewing family photos, and new family gossip to be shared. Our family has many holiday traditions and it is rare that we don’t spend each of the holidays together. It’s just so disheartening not having Thanksgiving be as prominent a holiday as it should be. Once the Halloween decorations are down many people opt to go straight to Christmas. Let us not forget about the fantastic holiday that arguably is the best one of them all.

Regardless of your religious preferences or inclinations, Thanksgiving is the one holiday where it’s more about togetherness and appreciation than about anything else. Sure, the food is great, okay, the food is really great. However, what’s best about a holiday where one gets to celebrate life’s harvest, is that there’s no excuse to not do so.

While retailers may not make as much money from this holiday as they would others, Thanksgiving is most assuredly one of the most pure. Sometimes we do need a holiday that basically tells us to spend time with the ones we love. Why not do so on Thanksgiving? And why not forego putting up Christmas decorations until at least the day after Thanksgiving?! I for one really like the autumn decor and feel as though Christmas is too rushed when there is merchandise and decorations right after Halloween. Christmas season is December, not November.  However you choose to spend your Thanksgiving, be sure to let those important to you know just what they mean to you!

LaToya M. Davidson can be contacted at latoyadavidson@me.com.

This article appeared on page 5A in the 11/23/11 issue of The Union-Recorder.