HOLLYWOOD—Everyone is getting ready for Thanksgiving on November 23. Some celebrities like Mariah Carey, Salma Hayek, Eva Longoria enjoy cooking for the holidays. Thanksgiving Day, is a time to gather with family and friends to give thanks for the many blessings. Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, yams, cranberries, and pumpkin pie- are all commonly associated with giving thanks. On this holiday, a Thanksgiving meal is prepared with all the trimmings; families gather together and talk, while others watch the parade or watch a football game. The parade is filled with pilgrims, and other colonial figures.

The 91st Annual Macy’s Day Parade, marks the start of the holiday season, featuring giant helium balloons, floats, marching bands and of course celebrity appearances, and of course Santa Claus. For the 2017 parade, the line-up will feature 17 giant character balloons; 28 legacy balloons; 26 floats; 1100 cheerleaders and dancers; more than 1,000 clowns; 12 marching bands and 6 performance groups.

Performers include 98 Degrees, Lauren Alaina, Cam Sabrina Carpenter, Andra Day & Common, Sara Evans, Jimmy Fallon & The Roots, Flo-Rida, Goo Goo Dolls, Kat Graham, Andy Grammer, Angelica Hale, Olivia Holt, Nicky Jam, Wyclef Jean, Bravo’s “Top Chef” stars Padma Lakshmi & Tom Colicchio, Dustin Lynch, Miss America 2018 Cara Mund, Leslie Odom Jr. and the cast of the Muppets from Sesame Street, Bebe Rexha, Smokey Robinson, Jojo Siwa and many more. New floats will debut including Entenmann’s, another one by Green Giant, Shimmer and Shine by Nickelodeon. This popular event attracts more than 2.5 million people and another 44-million tune in to watch the show. The three hour parade trails from 77th Street down Central Park West to Columbus Circle, then down Broadway to Herald Square.

Some celebrities don’t eat turkey, they are vegetarian. Sarah Silverman, Edie Falco, Alicia Silverstone, Woody Harrelson, Casey Affleck, Carrie Underwood, Ariana Grande, Joaquin Phoenix, Michelle Pfeiffer. Liam Hemsworth, and Miley Cyrus are probably turning to vegan recipes for Thanksgiving. At least they acknowledge its Thanksgiving.

Why is it that we can’t enjoy one holiday at a time? It seems that people skip over Thanksgiving and go right from Halloween to Christmas. Why do people rush the holidays? Anyway, it’s that time again to load up your cart and make it across the finish line. Bargain-hunters venture out on Black Friday looking for those special deals from iPhones to Smart TVs. Some stores even continue to interrupt family dinners in an attempt to lure consumers with bargains on which is called Grey Thursday. I must say, Trader Joe’s gives their employees the day off, the food store is closed. Hardcore shoppers each and every year will clip their coupons, throw on their sneakers and face the brutal crowds. Everyone knows that the hunt for the bargains can turn the most civilized, polite person into a Black Friday savage.

Unacceptable behavior, it’s rude folks to behave that way. Then you have those that turn to online shopping, and decide not to join the throng of millions looking for deals, sales and markdowns. While, Thanksgiving may be full of feasts and festivities, it is important to remember the true meaning of the holiday. It’s about gratitude, and being thankful.

It’s a day for everyone to reflect upon themselves and count their blessings. We all worry and stress about so many things on a daily basis and let obstacles and small difficulties in life consume us with worry, it’s a day to reflect on everything we have in life. Having gratitude not only shows appreciation, but will help us become happier, more satisfied, healthier, and make us better people.

Rose’s Scoop: What a surprise that Paul McCartney was spotted at an Italian restaurant in the village on November 18.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving Day!