Thanksgiving might be my favorite holiday. I don’t know why I’ve always loved it so much. I guess any day centered around eating is right up my alley.

My mom’s family is so much larger and more spread out, it seemed like we spent every holiday with my dad’s family except Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving was reserved for Mississippi.

The strange thing about my favorite holiday is, as a child, I seemed to always get sick around the day of giving thanks. I don’t get sick very often; I’ve never had the flu- (knock on wood). Mostly I got headaches, stomach aches or my allergies would rebel at the change of season. Even this past week I’ve had a scratchy throat and cough. Either way, under the weather or well, I still enjoyed the day to the full extent.

We didn’t really have any traditions or certain activities or games we participated in on the holiday. Sure, the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was always on the television, but mostly we just ate. We eat our meal at lunchtime so we can have the leftovers for dinner. There’s no reason to shortchange your feast to a single meal.

The rest of the day was usually spent taking a walk, staring lazily at a football game or reading a book. I like to think about those Thanksgivings of years past. The road trip, the food but most of all the people.

These days I never know how my holiday will turn out. With most of my aunts and uncles being grandparents now, they host the holiday at their own homes or my cousins are at their in-laws. For me, this has led to a caravan of sorts with my Thanksgiving being located in a different city every year. I’m excited for another new adventure this Thanksgiving.

This year, and every year, I am thankful for so much. I really am blessed to have so many positives in my life.

I am thankful that I had a job lined up before I even graduated college.

I am thankful to my parents who give their everything for me.

I am thankful to my aunts and uncles who treat me like their own child.

I am thankful to my friends who love me even when I’m awful.

I am thankful for teachers who have cared about me.

I am thankful for my health and all these years flu free. Again, knocking on wood.

I am thankful for my coworkers who always keep me laughing and somewhat sane. I’m so lucky to work with people I actually like and who make the stress of it all manageable.

I am thankful for a wonderful Vicksburg community that has been open, welcoming, giving and shown genuine concern and interest in me and my life. I was so surprised at first when I realized people actually read the newspaper here and know who you are. Thank you for your generosity, kind words and guidance. You have helped make my transition into a new place, a new job and adulthood as comfortable as possible.

Happy Thanksgiving Vicksburg!