The clock is ticking on the Christmas shopping rush that begins tonight. But we will take stock in the opportunities of Thanksgiving.

Beyond the gluttony and excess of the huge meal or the much-parodied family squabble of TV sitcoms, Thanksgiving is a chance for family and friends to come together, to break bread and enjoy each other’s fellowship. For many families, hours of work go into the preparation, and the meal is over too quickly. The day passes, and the addiction to consumerism is fed with midnight sales and shopping extravaganzas.

But we believe that most people recognize the blessings they have received. It’s a time to be thankful for what you have and to think about the people who have less. Between the parades, the turkey and the football, we would all be better off if we set a little time aside for others.

Enjoy the day if you can, and remember that the dump is closed and Officer Obie is on patrol.

Happy Thanksgiving.