Thursday is Thanksgiving, a tradition celebrated for hundreds of years.

For many if not most of us, some years are better than others, which means they might have an easier time being thankful on some Thanksgivings than others.

This is when a little mental fortitude comes in.

There’s always something for which to be thankful. There are the basics, of course, such as a roof over our heads, food on the table and a job to make such things possible. Many people don’t have those necessities, and even though people might not live in the home of their dreams, it’s still a home.

Many of us have lost loved ones over the years, but fortunately, they still have family and friends to comfort them. Others live alone, or rely on people they don’t know very well to help them.

It also would be easy to look at what’s going on in the world and feel depressed. The war between Russia and Ukraine continues, although Ukraine still is putting up a gallant fight. Mass shootings, earthquakes and climate change fill the headlines as well.

However, there’s a lot of good in the world too. Just look at the many places where people can donate toys and other items to needy people during the holidays. Charities are involved in their good works year-round, and individually, people tend to be on the good side rather than the bad.

People should be thankful for the good 365 days a year, but Thanksgiving, just by its very nature, brings the spirit of gratitude to the forefront.

Gathering with family around the table, and eating turkey and all the trimmings, is the traditional and tangible way the holiday is celebrated. However, as with all holidays, the spirit behind them is most important.

And yes, Thanksgiving should not be lost or diminished with the advent of the Christmas and holiday season. It’s an important holiday in itself in that it fosters appreciation for what people have in their lives.

This is something that needs to be said every year as Thanksgiving approaches, because it’s easy to forget there’s a lot of be thankful for, even though it doesn’t seem that way at times.

Happy Thanksgiving to all.