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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

As Thanksgiving is around the corner, thoughts often turn to favorite foods that will be enjoyed.

Most will join a group of family or friends around a feast on Thanksgiving Day or sometime that weekend. It is a time of celebration where many take time to think about the blessings they have enjoyed this year and what they have to be thankful for. I am thankful for this season of feasting, not just because I get to enjoy food I didn’t have to cook or because I get to hear my family rave about my chocolate eclairs that have become a tradition, but because it brings a sense of joy and fun to a time of the year that can be a bit dreary.

Temperatures have dropped, and we are being reminded that winter does actually exist in Alabama. The sun is setting so early that most are driving home from work in the dark. This shortened time of sunshine can make a day feel more tiring than it usually is. All of this can culminate in some seasonal blues, but Thanksgiving gives something to look forward to. It gives us a time to pause, to be present in the moment and celebrate. Wholesome celebration is the perfect antidote.

Even those who have had a tough year and might not be able to supply their own spread this year can look forward to a few moments of joy thanks to caring people. Clanton First United Methodist Church will have a free community meal on Thanksgiving Day from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Contact the church at 205-755-0490 for more information or to volunteer at the event. Verbena Baptist Church, 197 County Road 50, is offering to-go plates of turkey dinner from 10 a.m. to noon. Contact the church at 205-755-1725 to reserve a plate.

I am thankful that Chilton County has these great organizations with holiday traditions of giving back. I am thankful to work in an area with so many caring people that serve whether they get recognition or not. I am thankful for those who work so hard to make the holiday season here so merry and bright.

I am thankful for feasts and for celebration.