The holiday season is in full swing.

As the unseasonable 70-degree weather, might have us feel otherwise, we are literally weeks away from Christmas and not too many days away from Thanksgiving.

Thanksgiving has been my favorite of all the holidays for as long as I can remember. Growing up in a diverse community the “holiday” season, known widely by Christians as “Christmas” was a bit different once December arrived. Thanksgiving however transcended all religious belief, which just made it simple.

It was also the one time our family was able to gather together without the hustle and bustle of the “must get to” another’s home. The memories, laughs and love which surround that one day fill me with complete joy.

I also spent my first career in the retail industry, so needless to say, from Black Friday straight up to Christmas Eve, once Thanksgiving came and passed, I saw little of my family and lots of long days.

I don’t miss that business. It was indeed a goal realized, as I longed to be in the fashion business from a young age, American consumerism, however, is one that can make one jaded very quicky, when getting the best deal on “stuff” becomes your sole purpose and value in life.

Yet I digress, back to the bird.

When did we forget as a society about the importance of the holiday sandwiched in between Halloween and Christmas?

Retailers (it seems) have worn us down. No longer do I hear disgust as I once did by Christmas displays going up in late September, early October. That has now been replaced with squeals of joy by shoppers getting all the things, by way of decorations at half off deals.

Now granted, I have some friends who roll into the spirit early because they love the celebration of the birth of Jesus and that is what they will unapologetically tell you. I get that.

Truth be told, I myself put up our tree last year on November first. At the time, my health and strength were marginal at best. Not knowing how I would feel come December I saved us the work of decorating the house three times in three months.

It was a bit bi-polar, as we hosted Thanksgiving that year and I would not have a Christmas scape greet our Thanksgiving guests.

The layout of our house worked perfectly for this bi-polar arrangement. Upon entering, guests were greeted to fall smells and a beautiful Thanksgiving table and dining area. Once into the family room and kitchen however, it was full on Christmas cheer.

As I type this, I’m tempted to relive that once again.

Reason simple, while Thanksgiving remains my favorite for various reasons, there’s just something about a lit-up Christmas tree that fills my soul with joy. The same holds true for the music, the traditional movies, as well as good ol’ Hallmark ones.

All that being said, I can’t help but wonder, are there more than a dozen of us out there that still care about the bird? I truly hope there are.

As I look to the Thanksgiving holiday, I hope that we are each thankful for all that we have, both big and small. I hope that we take the time to acknowledge what we’ve been blessed with. I hope that indeed we each remain thankful.

And then, when the turkey is put away, the shopping plans and gift lists are made, I hope we all continue to remember the reason for the season.

Cheers to family, friends and the bird, may Tom the Turkey forever hold respect and celebration.

Teresa Hammond is a staff reporter for The Oakdale Leader, The Riverbank News and The Escalon Times. She may be reached at thammond@oakdaleleader.com or by calling 209-847-3021.