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It's amazing, really, how quickly autumn crept upon us and Thanksgiving arrived at our door. The accompanying crispness in the air, the vivid fall leaves and ever-predictable thought 'Where did the summer go?' are all top of mind, and right on schedule, as we head into the long weekend.

Most may mark the holiday with a feast - traditional turkey or modern alternatives like tofurkey - time spent with family and friends, and, for those of us who celebrate with an annual over indulgence, an idle nap on the couch.

As with the agricultural world, autumn is the time to reap the fruits of our labour and Thanksgiving is our chance to reflect upon our personal bounty and be grateful for all that we have. It's an opportunity to review the year that's passed and give appreciation for our health, fortunes and good will. Yet how many of us really take the time for that reflection?

Many find it difficult to pause, living in a society that compels us to multi-task, to become text-messaging drones and to transform ourselves into super-consumers, super-parents and super-employees. Thanksgiving simply becomes another obligation, another grocery list, another time-management item and we often forget to slow down and remember that it's more than just another day off work.

Be wary of seeming distracted or indifferent toward the holiday, as it may rub off on your loved ones and your guests.

Working that appreciation back into the holiday can be as simple as asking everyone around the table what they're thankful for. Or including the entire family in the meal preparation and clean up.

This is a time we should remind ourselves not to take our good fortune for granted. To really drive that point home, why not find time to help others in need, right here in our own community? For example, you can conduct a fall purge of your family's closets and take gently used clothing to the Salvation Army. The North York Harvest Food Bank is in the midst of its Fall Food Drive, which ends Oct. 17. You can collect canned and baking goods and non-perishable items from your neighbours or ask your guests to bring some to your dinner for a subsequent drop-off. There any number of ways to make donations, be they product- or financially based. Visit www.northyorkharvestfoodbank.com for details.

Thanksgiving is about more than turkey, playoff baseball and a day off of work. All it usually takes is a little healthy perspective to remember that.