The holiday season is upon us. We shall eat more than we should and spend more than we should, and many of us will forget the true meaning behind the holiday. I never celebrated Thanksgiving until I came to this country, but I have told you of my first Thanksgiving in England spent at the Ruislip Air Force Base. My first introduction to corn on the cob and cranberries and pumpkin pie. Great days when I didn't have to worry about putting on weight.

There have been many Thanksgivings since, most spent with my husband's family. In Britain at this time of the year there is a Thanksgiving celebration called Michaelmas. I remember, as a child, going to the fields and orchards to collect fruits and vegetables to put on the altar in my church. They made a colorful display. The minister would then bless the crops, and we would be thankful that the weather had been kind to us and given us food for the coming winter. This was always followed by a dinner of roast goose and trimmings held in the social room of the church.

I have no idea why the goose was the chosen bird, but it was a tradition that was always followed. We, as children, were always happy that a goose was chosen. Our main game around the farm corral was chasing the geese, and they would honk and honk and chase our giggling bodies away.

This year, many of us will be celebrating without loved ones at our side. Remember the lost person by doing something in his or her memory. Invite someone who has no family to spend the holiday with you or take a meal to a housebound person who can no longer cook. Understand that the holiday will never be the same again without that person.

If you have grief, don't be afraid to show it. If there are children present, allow them to tell a story about the lost person. This year, there will be many without their mothers and fathers who are serving in the armed forces. Bring them in as part of your family and make it a joyous day.

I am thankful for so many things in my life. I must be grateful for being healthy and able to drive and walk. I give thanks for being able to write a column each week, and meet so many interesting people from it. I am thankful to have many friends who put up with my silliness and gripes at times.

As I grow older, I realize the value of true friends. They are like beautiful flowers who refresh my being. I still have time to sow new seeds for friendship, and I shall do so. Friends buffer the stress that we all feel at times. There seems to be a deepening of friendship as we get older, and those friends often mirror our emotional reactions. We all feel blue at times, and who better to call than a friend.

I am thankful that I am safe in this country that adopted me. My thanks go to the people who make it possible. I am thankful that this is a country where anyone can become anything they aspire to. I am thankful that my grandchildren, still so young, are healthy and enjoy going to school. Thankfully, they have been taught good manners and to have consideration for other people. This will carry them throughout their lives.

I know not where I shall spend Thanksgiving Day. One year in Los Angeles, I went to a homeless shelter and helped cook a turkey dinner. It was wonderful to see the joy that this brought to the many who were there. The smell of roast turkey pervaded my whole being for days, and I couldn't even think of eating turkey for a while. However, you may be sure that I will be eating some this year. I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.

— Star columnist Margaret Nesbitt welcomes comments and suggestions about subjects of interest to seniors. They can be sent via e-mail to undeg@verizon.net.