Holiday memories made to share for giving thanks

Holidays are synonymous with sharing and giving.

It can be something simple, like recalling a moment enjoyed with loved ones no longer present.

It can be the times we spend with our family and friends today.

It can be taking stock of all of our blessings and joys.

Memories are made of people and things, of times past and times to come.

It can be found in the traditions that surround this time of year -- the divine birth, the tree, the candle, the worship, and the feast. The list is endless and varied, depending on our history.

While the holidays can bog us down with trying to make that last-minute rush to find the perfect gift, planning out the holiday meal, and all the cooking, and cleanup that goes with that, preparing our home for visitors, feeling overwhelmed with so much to do, attending a plethora of beneficial and worthy activities at this time of the year, it's important to remember all of our many blessings.

From our personal liberties and freedoms that have been so hard earned by those who went before us and those who soldier on today and do so in the future, to our areas of health and family, it's important to take time to take stock of where we are, what we have, and where we're going.

There are many who are not as fortunate as us, who may be lacking in one or several of these areas.

And each of us may be working through one or more issues in personal or professional lives.

Even so, it's important that we focus on the positive.

Just by giving thanks, it can improve our mood and our relationships with others.

Here's hoping that you will find many people and things to give thanks for and that your Thanksgiving is a blessed one.