It’s been a strange Thanksgiving weekend.

There was no family gathering, no turkey, no stuffing and no cranberry sauce. Without the festivities to keep me occupied, I put the garden to bed and covered the patio furniture. These are things that remind me we’re about to be shut in our houses, with cold weather coming. It usually reminds me of gatherings in front of fire places, red wine shared and the promise of Christmas coming faster than I want to admit.

But this year, there’s a depressing painting spreading out in front of me. The global coronavirus, and our inability to get it under control, promises to make this a tough winter for everyone. Not being able to gather indoors means much more time alone for many, and for others, too much time with the people with whom they live. And worse, it may mean many lonely Christmases, without the usual celebrations.

But despite the bleak future I’m imagining, there are still many reasons to give thanks. 

• On a sunny, and unusually warm Saturday, my parents did come for a mostly outdoors visit. And they brought with them a beautiful new butcherblock countertop for my kitchen island. It’s totally transformed the room.

• The kids and I – despite our geographical separation –  are healthy, with roofs over our heads and jobs (or in my daughters case,  studies) to keep us occupied and in good finances. That this is true for all of us, in this time, is definitely worth my thanks.

• Despite no choral singing, my choir is still making music. We’ve learned both the art and the technology of recording ourselves individually (and horror when we first hear our voices, naked of accompaniment and of others!). Our choir director is nothing short of miraculous, taking all those wobbly recordings and layering them together into something far more than the sum of their parts.

• We’re all learning as we go through this pandemic. But I’m generally satisfied with the way my government is responding. Not every country can say the same.

• I drove by a house that was all decked out in balloons and storks; a new baby had joined the household. Proof that life goes on and the world keeps turning. 

• I have my sabbatical to look forward to in the spring. Where is still up in the air, but dates are set, so it’s happening – for real this time.

• I do have one son who lives close enough for short visits. They may turn into front porch visits with hot chocolate, instead of back yard visits with cold drinks, but they will continue.

• Technology keeps us connected. I had a Zoom call with the kids earlier today and it was lovely to see their faces. I’m planning another one with an old friend half a world away in a few days.

• Nature doesn’t know about COVID-19, and she’s put on a beautiful show this year. The reds, oranges, golds and yellows have been nothing short of stunning – and working from home at least a few days a week, means I can actually enjoy them before the sun goes down.

So as I get ready for one last Thanksgiving weekend walk, I ask you – what do you have to be thankful for this year?