This past week we all celebrated Thanksgiving, hopefully, with family and friends.

     November is a month when a lot of people reflect on what they are thankful for.

     I’ve noticed on Facebook that a lot of my friends have been posting different things daily for which they are thankful. Most of the posts are for your usual things … family, jobs, children, special friends.

     It’s made me think of what I’m thankful for in my life.

     The pastor at Pearlhaven Baptist Church gave a wonderful sermon last week, which made me think of the season in a different way. Bro. Anthony Yarborough was giving his “Thanksgiving” message and one point stood out for me: “How often do you actually say the words ‘thank you’?”

     I got what he was saying. How often do you tell those around you thank you?

     Do you tell your husband or wife thank you for all the wonderful things they do each day? It could be just the little things that we all take for granted, like washing dishes or taking out the trash.

     Or how about that cashier that works at the grocery store that never closes. Did you say thank you for working on a holiday when everyone else is home eating holiday meals with their families? Someone has to do it.

     There are lots of things we take for granted. I’m just as guilty as the next person. But I am going to try to recognize my actions more often and say thank you when it is deserved, and maybe even when it isn’t.

     This is also the time of year when people are feeling their most charitable.

     I read somewhere that Mississippi is ranked second when it comes to benevolent giving. Utah topped the list.

     It goes to show that a state like Mississippi, which is usually ranked near the last in a lot of things, has a big heart and an open pocketbook when it comes to helping others – a state whose people have the least to give donate the most.

     And speaking of giving, I am very thankful that so many of you helped the young mother who lost her three children and her grandmother in an automobile accident this past week.

     My heart was filled with sadness when I read about the tragedy in Crystal Springs. From what I gather, the mother of the children was a single-mother and had recently been laid off from her job and had little or no money to help bury her three small children.

     I can’t imagine having to cope with the loss of a child, not to mention three, and then to worry with how you were going to lay them to rest.

     With the help of strangers and by word-of-mouth, more than $23,000 has been raised so far for this family.

     It’s a wonderful feeling to see people come together for a common cause.

     Giving can take place any time of year, but during the holiday season there seems to be many wonderful charities that take up collections or ask for donations for worthy causes.

     To name a couple, the Junior Auxiliary Wish Tree project is in full swing, as is The DAILY LEADER and Bank of Brookhaven’s Holiday Food Pantry.

     The Wish Tree project aids in supplying toys and clothing for children who may not have a very good Christmas. Trees can be found at several local businesses.

     The Holiday Food Pantry has been ongoing for several years. Donations can be dropped off at either the bank or the newspaper office. The funds are then distributed before Christmas to help local food pantries feed those who may need a helping hand. In some cases, the funds donated go on to help the food pantries stock their shelves for months into the new year.

     There are also many mission projects going on at several churches.

     Think about giving back this holiday season. There are many needy families who will be very appreciative of any gift you choose to give.

     And … if I haven’t said it lately, I really appreciate everyone who reads or advertises in The DAILY LEADER and especially those of you who read my column. Thank You!

     And how was your week?

     Lifestyles Editor Tammie Brewer can be reached at The DAILY LEADER at 601-833-6961 ext. 134, by email at tbrewer@dailyleader.com or you can write to her at P.O. Box 551, Brookhaven MS 39602.