“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them”– President John F. Kennedy
Hopefully, the meaning of Thanksgiving is not lost on anyone as we usher in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.
While we should all make time each day to take stock of all the good things in our lives, it often takes gathering around the table at Thanksgiving to serve as a reminder.
At the end of last week we got our first taste of winter as snow fell throughout the morning Friday. While it didn’t stick to the roadways in most areas, the snow was a reminder that frigid temperatures are near at hand.
Luckily, the first flurries came and went with little fanfare and no calamities. Those who are incapable of driving in winter conditions, or simply don’t care to do so, stayed off the roads. And those who did venture out took their time and proceeded with caution.
Another reminder we all need to heed came from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, when sheriff Doug Farmer urged residents and visitors to be on the lookout for holiday scams. Following Hurricane Helene in September, we’ve all been excited to get back to our normal levels of consumerism, but the holidays are prime time for unscrupulous ne’er-do-wells to try to take advantage of unsuspecting customers.
While on the topic of first responders, another reminder came in from Highlands and Cashiers fire departments. With colder nights arriving, now is the perfect time to inspect fireplaces and ensure that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.
The first lighting of the fireplace each year is the most dangerous time in terms of potential for unintentional chimney fires. Over the past couple weeks there have been multiple fire calls reporting carbon monoxide leaks, smoke investigations, and other chimney related issues.
As we get together with our loved ones, and give thanks for all the positive things in our lives, let’s also take time to appreciate all of the little reminders that life brings our way each holiday season.