Everywhere I look, I see Christmas decorations, and it disturbs me. It’s still a week before Thanksgiving, and everyone has completely passed it over. Why would it bother me that everyone is getting into the Christmas spirit? Because they’re not. Not really. It’s all about the money. All the retailers are worried that they won’t make enough money this year, so they’ve just dived directly into the Christmas season.

Thanksgiving is one of the few holidays that hasn’t been over-commercialized. The only one where we are supposed to stop and remember to give thanks for the overwhelming blessings we’ve all been given. Despite the tough times—and I feel them just like everyone else—we still have so many reasons to be thankful.

Some have lost their jobs; those of us who haven’t should be thankful. Some have lost loved ones in the military; again, those who haven’t should be grateful, and also thankful for the ones who did give their lives for our freedom. Some will spend Thanksgiving alone; those who will spend it with family and friends should be glad, and make every effort to include those who can’t be with the ones they love, for whatever reason.

This year, take time to stop and be truly thankful before you start worrying about Christmas. Then, maybe it will be easier to remember what Christmas is all about, as well.