It's not just another Hallmark holiday, it's a real American institution.

The Pilgrims were thankful for surviving a harsh winter and the help they received from the Indians in the spring, so they celebrated after the fall harvest with a three day Thanksgiving feast.

The custom of celebrating after harvest time became an annual event. President George Washington, in 1789 declared Thursday Nov. 26 to be a national day of Thanksgiving to give praise to God for all the favors bestowed on our nation.

However, it was not until 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln officially proclaimed the last Thursday in November a national day of Thanksgiving. And on Nov. 26, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt turned it into a day off from work and declared the fourth Thursday in November as a national Thanksgiving holiday. (And for that, I am thankful!)

Our country and our community are fortunate, blessed with freedom and opportunity for all. With all the gloom and doom we continue to see on television nightly, it's easy to forget that this is still Ameerica – the place where people still find hope and dream of a better future.

Few countries have as many people standing at their borders and wanting to get in as we do here in America. Think about it. That alone should say something about the wonderful place we call home.

Thanksgiving should be a time for reflection, taking the time to identify what we are thankful for and then sharing those thoughts with family and friends. Especially in today's busy world it is important to be thankful for what we have.

What can we be thankful for?

First off, our time with our children, because our moments with them are so fleeting.

Our freedoms, especially the precious ability to speak our minds and voice our concerns and vote – and have that vote be counted.

Our public educational institutions where every child, no matter their background or ability, has an opportunity to learn and to reach their fullest potential.

Our precious community, a place where people grow, live, work and give back – a place that we all call home.

Our faith homes, the churches where we meet and where we are free to worship and praise safely and without fear of persecution.

Our country was founded on thankfulness, from the Pilgrims who gave thanks for the Indians that helped them survive that first winter and adapt to a new land, to our country's leaders who have given thanks, time and time again, for the many blessings bestowed on our great nation.

It is important not only to appreciate, but also to demonstrate our appreciation, and one of the best ways to do this is to find ways to give back to our community.

Now, more than ever, it is important to step up our volunteer efforts. There are plenty of opportunities to get involved and make a difference, and we urge everyone in San Marcos to make a commitment this Thanksgiving to give back and give back generously. If you are looking for ways to get involved, call us at the chamber. We will be happy connect you with a group and a cause that you'll want to support.

It is a proven fact, that giving back makes the giver feel more prosperous. So give yourself a psychological boost this holiday season while giving someone else a hand up. Make a commitment to volunteer this holiday season. You'll be glad you did.

The San Marcos Chamber of Commerce is proud to support and encourage community volunteerism.

The Chamber is focused on business, focused on you. Check us out on the Web at www.sanmarcostexas.com.