A couple of years ago I wrote a thanksgiving column. I draw liberally from that column today.

The fact remains that Thanksgiving is essentially an American holiday. Canadians have their Thanksgiving in October, but what do they know? By this time of year, most of them are in Florida, anyway. We probably should require a passport to purchase a turkey in November, but that is another story. Americans have a lock on this wonderful holiday when Christians and non-Christians come to the table in the ultimate breaking of bread.

As a Christian, I try to give my thanks a little Christian spin, but in reality we are a blessed nation no matter what our religious preference may be. Because it has not succumbed to rampant commercialism, Thanksgiving is probably my favorite holiday. Think about it: no gifts, no cards and no pressure, except to devour a totally delicious meal. And best of all … no decorating!

Thanksgiving’s simplicity is that it is a celebration of our blessings. During this season most of us participate in at least a brief measure of reflective thinking. It is in that somewhat serious vein that I offer up the following personal observations of the holiday:

I am thankful for my wife and the life she helps provide for me. She serves this community well with her various charitable and entrepreneurial ventures. We are lucky enough to have two residences and she makes them both seem very much like home.

My children, as always, are the joys of my life. Without them we wouldn’t have near enough stuff to agonize over. I’m thankful that I love them enough that I never stop worrying about them. I’m ready for grandchildren.

I’m also thankful for health and hair and I’m glad I still have all my teeth so I can eat all that good food. I’m thankful for red wine that makes almost everything taste better. I’m glad I have a good job wherein what I do makes a difference in the lives of others.

I wouldn’t want to live in a world without fried chicken and sweet tea and butter rolls. I rarely partake in such fare, but I’m glad I live in a part of the world where great food is readily available in case of emergency. New York and Chicago can keep their restaurants. I have what I want to eat right here in good old Southwest Georgia. I give special thanks for the hog, one of God’s most noble creatures.

Speaking of noble creatures, my little dogs, Abbey and Zippy add a lot to my life. Abbey has, at age 14, slowed a good deal. She is blind and deaf and her teeth are departing one by one. I’m afraid our days with Abbey are numbered, but I’m thankful this little white dog has been part of my life for all these years.

Zippy still has some zip in her step. She’s about 6, bought by my father and left to a reluctant son. Both dogs are always there to greet me with wagging tails. It seems, at least to my dogs, I can do no wrong. They like turkey almost as much as I do, and they are better than a garbage disposal when it comes to eliminating the scraps.

Beau, the cat, works by appointment only. He is a bit more aloof, but he sometimes greets me on the front steps … not with a wagging tail or that look of delight, but with half of a squirrel or a portion of a chipmunk. As disgusting as it is, it is Beau’s gift to me. Beau prefers chipmunk to turkey, but will eat turkey if coerced. I’m thankful for the Beau the hunter. He keeps our house and yard free of “beasties.”

I’m thankful that I had my parents for the first 57 years of my life and that their suffering is over. I miss them every day. I’m thankful for friends and family. I’m also very appreciative of the blessings, both material and spiritual, that been showered on me over the past 61 years.

And while we live in trying times, we Americans have a lot for which to be thankful. My wish is health, wealth and happiness for my readers and, OK, even for the cheapskates who read this over the Internet. Get off your wallet and subscribe, but be healthy!

And so, on this best-of-all holidays, hug your lover, eat to excess, take a nice long nap, call your momma (or somebody else’s momma) while you still can, pat your dog, share your blessings and break bread with someone who needs a friend.

Most of all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.