Thanksgiving is my all-time favorite holiday. Don't get me wrong, I love Christmas and getting presents as much as the next person, but there is just something about Thanksgiving I enjoy.

The main reason is the emphasis is on food and family, two things that rank pretty high on my list. There is no hustle and bustle of opening gifts and traveling to relatives, just sit back, eat, nap, watch football, play games and enjoy each other's company.

As soon as the students from Western Salisbury Elementary School get back from break, the Holiday Shoppe will be up and running. If your child is scheduled to visit the day they go back, I suggest writing a note to remind yourself to send money in. The Holiday Shoppe will be open Dec. 3 through 6.

The fourth and fifth grade classes of WSE will perform their winter concert 7 p.m. Dec. 11. Each grade will perform, along with the band and chorus.

Salisbury Middle School will hold its winter concert 7 p.m. Dec. 5. The chorus, band and jazz band will perform.

Dec. 6 will be mid-marking for the second quarter at SMS and Salisbury High School.

Also at SHS, there will be a 2-hour late start Dec. 10 and 11 so the juniors can present their graduation projects.

There will be a Curriculum and Technology Committee meeting 7 p.m. Dec. 9 at Harry S Truman Elementary School.

I don't know how many of you are Black Friday shoppers, I never was. I prefer to sit at home, relax and eat leftovers. But, for those of you who are, I have one request. Please be kind to all the retail employees, who have no choice to be there. They are probably tired from working a long shift and it is not their fault if the store does not have what you want. Don't take your frustrations out on them.

Also, be polite to your fellow shoppers. There is no need to push, shove or be rude. Get what you need and go back home, spend time with your kids while they are off from school or snuggle up on the sofa and read a good book. Lastly, take time to be thankful for all the blessings in your life and express that thanks to those who deserve it. Have a relaxing holiday and enjoy your long weekend.

"Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving." ~W.T. Purkiser