As I sit back after celebrating Thanksgiving with my large extended family, I’m reminded of just how much I have to be thankful for. And while I’m pretty sure I ate enough turkey to keep me full until Christmas, Thanksgiving is about much more than what’s on the dinner table!
First and foremost, I’m thankful for my family. There’s something special about getting everyone together, sharing a meal, catching up on what’s happening in everyone’s lives, and enjoying a few laughs. Of course, when you have a large extended family, getting everyone organized can sometimes feel like coordinating a migration of Canada Geese! There’s always someone running late, someone asking what they should bring, and someone who insists they’re only going to have a small piece of pie before returning for a second helping.
But that’s what makes these gatherings so special. It’s the time we spend together, the memories we create, and the reminder that no matter how busy life gets, family is something we should never take for granted.
I’m also incredibly thankful for the wonderful team at Urban Nature Store. Over the years, what started as a passion for birds and nature has grown into something far bigger than I could ever have imagined. I’m grateful for the dedicated people who help our customers discover the joys of backyard bird feeding, find the perfect gift for a nature lover, or simply stop by for a friendly chat about the birds visiting their feeders.
And to our loyal customers, thank you! Your support of our Canadian-owned business means the world to us. Every time you shop with us, recommend us to a friend, or share a story about a special bird visiting your backyard, you remind us why we do what we do.
Of course, I couldn’t write a Thanksgiving column without mentioning the birds!
As a lifelong bird enthusiast, I’m thankful for the simple pleasure of watching birds go about their daily business. Whether it’s a bright red Northern Cardinal visiting the feeder, a Black-capped Chickadee grabbing a sunflower seed and heading off for a quick snack, or a flock of migrating birds passing overhead, nature has a wonderful way of reminding us to slow down and appreciate the little things.
Birds don’t seem to spend much time worrying about tomorrow’s to-do list, checking their emails, or wondering whether they remembered to buy cranberry sauce. They simply get on with being birds. Perhaps there’s a lesson in that for all of us!
I’m also thankful that I get to spend my days doing something I love, surrounded by people who share an appreciation for nature and the outdoors. Not everyone gets to turn a hobby into a career, and I never forget how fortunate I am to have done just that.
So, as we head into the colder months, I encourage you to take a moment to count your own blessings. Enjoy time with family and friends, appreciate the beauty of the natural world, and perhaps put out a little extra birdseed for your feathered visitors. After all, they have a long winter ahead of them, too!
From my family to yours, I wish you a very happy Thanksgiving filled with good food, wonderful company, plenty of laughter, and lots to be thankful for.
And remember, if you’re looking for me after Thanksgiving dinner, I’ll probably be outside checking the bird feeders. Someone has to make sure the chickadees aren't going hungry!
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
Paul Oliver
Founder & Chief Birder
Urban Nature Store
