Paula Peterson

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The turkeys are in the ovens, barbecues or deep fryers. The side dishes are being prepared, pies are baked and many are waiting for friends or family to arrive. The football game is on, the Macy’s parade is over and maybe you have a chance to sit down and get your feet up.

Today is Thanksgiving, the annual day of giving thanks, celebrating a holiday and enjoying friends and family. The gathered group differs from home to home.

This year is a different one for me. One son lives in Japan, another just moved to Oregon with his wife and my daughter is at the University of Oregon. Nobody was able to travel (though things will change at Christmas), a first. That leaves another son and me. He works today so I’ll drive to Carson City tonight for dinner at a restaurant. Another first.

So in my house I watched the parade and am now watching football. There is no turkey in the oven and no sides or pies prepared. I have time for reflection.

I have always thought the theme behind Thanksgiving should be adopted year round, how easy that should be. Being thankful should be such an easy concept but we get caught up in our hectic lives with its obligations and commitments.

Thanksgiving has gone through transitions since the pilgrims but it has always been a day for expressing gratitude. Families add their own traditions and customs as generations go by, keeping those they hold close to their heart.

I would like to use this space to thank you for being a reader of South Tahoe Now. Just over five years ago I took on the publication and have since added tens of thousands of annual readers and social media followers. Each and every day I appreciate each and every one of you.

I am grateful for the advertisers who support South Tahoe Now in its endeavor to bring fair and accurate local news to readers every day of the year. Without them and the monthly financial supporters of South Tahoe Now, there would not be a daily news source in South Lake Tahoe.

Take time to thank them by using their services.

Every day we can show gratitude, not just on the fourth Thursday of November. Take a second and express appreciation to the barista, the person bagging your groceries, delivering your mail and removing your trash.

Each and every day I appreciate you, the reader, and thank you.

Enjoy your turkey, the football games, your friends and/or family, or however you choose to celebrate Thanksgiving.