Let me share a little Thanksgiving secret. I love almost everything about the holiday—except, well, the cooking! I love gathering with family and friends, enjoying delicious food, and making memories around the table. But spending hours in the kitchen, preparing a turkey, juggling side dishes, and trying to get everything ready at the same time? That’s not exactly my idea of holiday fun. Thankfully, I married a man who enjoys cooking, so that works out beautifully. And with a fabulous local pie maker like Smith’s Bakery, taking dessert off my proverbial plate, I can focus on the part of Thanksgiving I love most.

Decorating the Thanksgiving table is one of my favorite parts of the day. Give me pumpkins, colorful leaves, pretty napkins, and candlelight, and I’m in my happy place! My love of creating festive tablescapes began in childhood, when I was put in charge of making the holiday table look special.

Thanksgiving is about more than what’s on the table. It’s also a chance to help those who may be struggling. This year, The Mission at Kern County is helping ensure that men, women, and children in our community can enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving meal. Whether you volunteer on Thanksgiving Day or donate much-needed items, you can get involved in meaningful ways. In the article, “The Mission at Kern County: Serving Hope This Thanksgiving,” on page 8, you can learn how this local organization is making a difference.

Speaking of traditions, few Bakersfield businesses have brought as much sweetness to our community as Dewar’s. In this month’s article, “Hello, Happy (Working) Mama: Heather Dewar Cook,” on page 16, Callie Collins features a remarkable mama who helps run her family business. Heather works alongside her father, George C. Dewar, who, at 83, still comes to work every day!

November is also Family Literacy Month, making it the perfect time to curl up with a good book and share the joy of reading with the next generation. In the article, “Put Your Nose in a Book This November!” Andrea Rose explores the many benefits of reading, from building vocabulary to improving attention and memory. She also invited our readers and staff to share some of their favorite books. Of course, I had to join in!

I chose “Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type,” by Doreen Cronin and Betsy Lewin. When Kohl’s offered its book-and-matching-stuffed-animal campaign, I bought both, and the story quickly became a household favorite. I even got to read it to all three of my kids’ classrooms as a guest reader! Curious about everyone else’s favorites? Turn to page 18 to see which titles made the list.

As you celebrate this month through food, service, family traditions, or reading, remember that none of it must be perfect to be meaningful. Over the years, I’ve learned that hosting doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. If cooking isn’t your forte, let someone else handle it, or embrace the brilliance of a potluck.

Sometimes, the best moments happen when the candles are lit, the food is on the table, and everyone is laughing about something. Those are the moments we remember long after we've cleared the dishes. So, this Thanksgiving, I’ll happily leave the cooking to someone else and make sure the table is ready for what matters most to me: being together.

Happy Thanksgiving!