“Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude.” – E.P. Powell

In my home, there is a fire in the fireplace. The smell of hot cinnamon buns cooking. Before the parade, we wake the children. They come downstairs in robes and slippers, curl up by the fire and have hot chocolate. We start the day with a prayer, and then watch the parade.

Soon the smells of turkey and stuffing, potatoes and gravy, cranberries, pumpkin pie, and more will fill the air. It’s Thanksgiving, and this alone is much to be thankful for.

Traditions are valued around the world. They connect us to one another, to our faiths, to our history, and to ourselves. Big holidays are a chance to indulge in traditions, shared and unique, that remind us of the fabric of our American lives. They keep us mindful of who we are and where we have been, and of those who cannot be here.

I hope you indulge and enjoy traditions today. Do not be cynical or too cool. Do not be regretful or sour. There is a time and place for all things, and on Thanksgiving we should not lament what we do not have, or regret what we have or have not done. Instead today we should renew our spirits by giving thanks for what we have, and for the good things that have been done. We remember our families and friends, those here and those passed, and not with sadness but with joy.

Today, be happy. Be grateful. Be joyful. Let not your heart be troubled.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, RedState readers, writers and community. And you too, RedState haters and foes. Just for one day, put the bad aside and focus on the good. Enjoy yourself. If you do, that will be what I am most thankful for this year.

Well .. that and turkey.

“What we’re really talking about is a wonderful day set aside on the fourth Thursday of November when no one diets. I mean, why else would they call it Thanksgiving?” – Erma Bombeck