Thanksgiving

By Kim Roberts

Thanksgiving has always been one of my favorite holidays. For the past 20 years, I have had the honor of cooking for my family and extended family in my home. I enjoy planning the menu, the prep work, getting up before dawn on Thanksgiving Day to start cooking the turkey and setting the table.

But, the very best part of the day is having everyone together in one place, visiting, sharing a meal and giving thanks for all that we have been blessed with throughout the year.

Well, enter 2020, the year that seems like it will never end; the year that is slowly wearing everyone down; the year that has been so restrictive, terrifying and so different that it is hard to feel blessed most days.

That is the challenge for this holiday season – remembering that we have plenty to be thankful for amidst all the adversity.

My children are older, 26, 23 and 15, so they understand, as much as any of us can, the reality of the “new normal.” Thankfully, all of our family and extended family have spent plenty of time together throughout quarantine, so we are all comfortable gathering for another meal.

I’m considering setting our table up outside as an added insurance, and we will be socially distanced. I will also wear a mask while preparing our food. We will focus on our blessings: that we can still gather together and eat a great meal; that we are healthy and surviving during these trying times; and we will most assuredly give thanks to God for the precious time we are able spend together.

This year has been a thief of joy, for sure, but we won’t allow it to steal our faith in God and family.

I pray everyone has a blessed Thanksgiving.