I spent last week’s Thanksgiving in a most unconventional way – out of the country – but I was still surrounded by family and friends.

Even though the big celebration occurred in Ciudad Obregón – deep in the southern part of Sonora, Mexico – my wife was kind enough to pack our SUV full of traditional American fixings and spend the day in the kitchen preparing said American fare (it’s her favorite holiday of the year – who knew?).

There were about 20 of us enjoying the feast on my sister-in-law’s back patio Thanksgiving evening. While a few in attendance were curious as to what the big fuss was all about, more questions likely surrounded the sweet potatoes with the melted marshmallows on top.

The bottom line was this: No matter the excuse or holiday, it was a time for family to gather, enjoy each other’s company, swap “growing up” stories and reflect on blessings. Didn’t really matter which country we were in.

Trust me – turkey and awesome stuffing taste the same in Arizona as they do in Sonora, Mexico.

No doubt countless Americans living around the world took time last Thursday to count their blessings and indulge in some delectable edible delights – whether turkey was available or not.

While I could not attend the traditional Turkey Trot and Thanksgiving Day Parade in Fountain Hills – methinks they will still be similar in style and substance next year – I was able to imbibe some dark (“obscura”) Mexican beer and witness the Detroit Lions crush the hapless Chicago Bears.

It really doesn’t get much better than that, does it? Although, a Bears victory would have been more advantageous for the Green Bay Packers…

* * *

I am so NOT ready for Christmas, but I’m almost to the point where I’m beginning to seriously ponder if it’s all worth it.

I suppose things could change if grandchildren ever come upon the scene, but for right now it feels as if the holiday is way out of control and literally takes over our lives for weeks and weeks.

The whole Black Friday thing never appealed to me – and it never will.

It was fun to see the kids when they were small open all the presents, but the Christmas magic kind of disappears by the time they reach their 20s.

So many expectations are heaped upon us – by ourselves, I suppose – that it becomes difficult to focus on anything else. Much like the book “Skipping Christmas,” do we dare some yule season skip it all (or at least try) and take an exotic cruise to those pristine islands beckoning everything but Santa and fruitcake?

Hey, if I can do it for Thanksgiving – sort of – it might be a possibility for “Navidad.”

Even from a Christian standpoint, the birth of our Lord and Savior often overshadows the more significant celebration and praise and thankfulness that should occur on Easter Sunday.

The trick is living out the spirit of Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter on a year-round basis – not an easy task given the challenges thrown our way on a daily basis.

One shouldn’t take a vacation from that quest…