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By JOYANNA LOVE/ Managing Editor

This Thanksgiving, it might seem like there is less to be thankful for.

However, I think this year pausing to reflect on what we are thankful for is more important than ever. Thankfulness is often mentioned as being a way to improve mental health.

Many of us this year can be thankful for good health having stayed away from COVID-19 or having recovered from it.

I am thankful that my family has stayed healthy. I am thankful that we got creative in being able to see each other throughout this year. With multiple virtual craft times and a baby shower via Zoom, I have probably actually seen my extended family more than I had in previous years since I live so far away.

I am thankful for friends and family who were willing to try out adaptations of board games to be played via Skype or Facebook Live. (Scattergories was a favorite and super simple to do.)

Oddly enough, this is the year that God has answered prayers I had prayed for a long time and granted some desires I didn’t even know I had. I am extremely thankful for these unexpected blessings. I never would have pictured myself owning a house. I especially would have never pictured my first pet at that house being a chicken, but that is another story.

I’m thankful for community organizations that are still working to make the season festive and bright for those who otherwise might have no reason to celebrate.

I’m thankful for community members that were willing to do phone interviews to follow social distancing.

I am thankful that we have still been able to get all our magazine special sections completed despite some months it being due being during the Stay-At-Home order.

This Thanksgiving, I hope you all are able to reflect on that there are still things to be thankful for, and I hope this reflection brings you joy as we enter the Christmas season.