Today used to be the “official” start of the holiday season. For many, Santa Claus showing up at the end of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade was the true beginning. Sadly, that is no longer the norm.

All holiday decorations come months earlier than previously. Halloween items appear on the shelves in the summer. At least the perishable candies do not arrive until the end of September. Fortunately, Mother Nature cannot be hurried so all the pumpkins come out their at the usual time.

But, before Halloween, the major onslaught of the December madness has begun. Wrapping paper, cards, gifts, decorations all show up. Stores start their sales and the relentless advertising on television begins.

One would have to be a true hermit to avoid the rampant commercialism that arrives at this time of year. While it is understandable the retail industry is pushing consumerism since that is what they live and die by, it is unfortunate there seems to be no end to how soon the selling and buying begins.

Thanksgiving is given a brief nod in the fall. Of all of these widely celebrated holidays, it is the least commercial — probably why it gets very little space and push by the retail industry.

It is this latter piece that makes the day stand out from all the others, in my opinion. Folks get together with family and friends to give thanks for our good fortune and bountiful harvest. We focus on each other and what we bring to the table, literally and figuratively, to share. There is no

unwrapping of presents, just an unwinding of our beings.

Many of us have created traditions that revolve around how we show thanks for what we have. Some of us will share our thoughts around our tables. Others will prepare and serve a Thanksgiving meal for others less fortunate than themselves. Others will find different volunteer work to do, but all focus on making our corner of the world a better place.

Thanksgiving is the first holiday celebrated by the European settlers who reached these shores. It is a tradition that has held strong through the centuries. It also is one that is truly inclusive of all who live here regardless of background.

It doesn’t matter if one says a prayer or not to start the meal. It doesn’t matter if one says a prayer to Allah, God or Jesus or none of them. It doesn’t matter if the dominant language is English or Spanish or Tagalog or any other tongue. Giving thanks for what one has is universal.

Regardless of what holiday one celebrates in December, it is the lead in by Thanksgiving that really sets the tone. The challenge to us all is to keep this mindset going into the new year.

I hope everyone had a warm and enriching day yesterday. And may your holiday season be all that you wish for.

Val Torrens appears in the CK Reporter the second and fourth Friday of every month.