'Tis the Season to be Thankful

Why is the Thanksgiving season so overlooked? The department stores put out the Halloween merchandise in August as soon as the first day of school is over. Then, before Halloween night arrives, the costumes and candy are pushed to the back of the store and prices slashed in order to make room for the Christmas decorations. So, what happened to Thanksgiving? Other than a few tacky pumpkins with "Give Thanks" written on them or cheap ceramic pilgrims and scarecrows, Thanksgiving doesn't get much attention in the department stores. It's even difficult to find anything that resembles fall once Halloween is over.

Although I don't have the bulk of decorations that I do for Halloween or Christmas, I still like to put out a few things to decorate our home for Thanksgiving. I remember getting pilgrim and Indian candles like these as "gifts" in elementary school. I have paired these with a pinecone turkey which were staples on most Thanksgiving tables in the 60s. We now celebrate with a traditional dinner, complete with turkey napkins and pumpkin spice candles. It is important to me that we celebrate Thanksgiving Day with family and take the time to reflect on the many blessings we have been given.

Thanksgiving is a day that is not overlooked at our house.

I pray that it never will be.