Thanksgiving often is lost between the Halloween hoopla and busy Christmas season.

It bears repeating that this annual holiday should be appreciated and celebrated on its own.

And it goes beyond turkey, stuffing, green bean casserole and cranberry sauce.

Celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, the holiday’s roots go back to the 16th century when the Pilgrims came to America under adverse conditions. It is said that with the help of American Indians, they learned to grow corn, beans and pumpkins.

It also is said that in autumn 1621, the Pilgrims held an impromptu grand feast with the natives. However, there is no evidence that this first Thanksgiving feast ever took place.

In a way, it doesn’t matter. The holiday symbolizes people coming together to share their bounty, give thanks — and hopefully not engage in a political spat at the table.

A person could argue it might be difficult to find something for which to be thankful considering the current climate, with a polarized political landscape, the horrific fires in California, mass shootings and other disasters.

Unfortunately, there always will be some bad event happening somewhere in the United States and the world. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing good to be celebrated.

Take the deadly Camp Fire in Paradise, California, for example. There are many tales of people coming to residents’ aid at their own risk. Money also is being raised in many ways to help the victims get back on their feet.

It might take years for their lives to return to some semblance of normalcy, but Paradise residents always will have the knowledge that many people stepped up to help.

That’s one message the Thanksgiving holiday can convey. Even in the midst of something awful, good can be recognized and appreciated.

This holds true in daily life as well. A person’s refrigerator might not have as much food as desired, a car might not be running as efficiently as it used to or a job might involve more struggles than in the past.

However, that person has sustenance, transportation and employment, which is more than many people have.

So, when you sit down with family and friends to enjoy turkey or whatever main dish is being served, remember the plusses in your life. Even if you aren’t going to celebrate an official Thanksgiving dinner, you can pause for thanks during whatever you’re doing Thursday.

And perhaps you can carry that feeling all year long.