Thanksgiving is about so much more than football and food. This is the time of year set aside to reflect on what we are thankful for in our lives.

Each year, The Era’s staff pauses to reflect and give thanks. We are all thankful for our families, for our freedom, for our veterans and military who make freedom possible, and for our law enforcement and first responders who work everyday to keep us all safe and out of harm’s way.

Here’s a look at the little things that our staff cherish, and give thanks for, now and all year.

— I am thankful today and always for my daughter, Emily, and her strength and perseverance, and for believing in me when my faith in myself has been shaken; for my mother, whom I love and appreciate more each and every day for building the roots of who I am, and not letting me forget who I am when times are tough; for my sister, Tina, who reminds me often that laughing at myself is necessary; for family by blood and by heart, and the support they’ve given me through a tough year; for late night calls and panda bears; for a staff of hardworking journalists who roll with the punches, even when the punches feel like Mike Tyson is throwing them; for a community that embraces my often-odd columns, and the ladies at the Literary Club for asking me to speak (and sending back cookies for the newsroom); for the continued support of so many great people in the community; and for good people everywhere, for kindness and thoughtfulness, for agreeing to disagree, for civility, humanity, understanding and acceptance.  — Marcie Schellhammer, associate editor

–– I am thankful for my father, Jim; stepmother, Rose; and grandparents, Connie and Jim; and the unconditional support they have supplied for 19 years and counting. I am also thankful for my best friends, Adam Schwind, Andrew Laird and Alex Barton, for many great memories and many more to come. I am thankful to have Mike Miller and James Walker not only as phenomenal martial arts instructors and educators, but as great friends. I am thankful for Marcie Schellhammer for taking a chance on me and always believing in me –– and for letting me cover the Stone Sour concert at Zippo. Last, but not least, I am thankful for the great people in the community who read and support our work, and for my coworkers who all work hard to give the community a great paper each day. –– Caleb Huntoon, photographer and reporter

–– I am thankful for all of the food I’ll be eating this holiday season, specifically my mom’s cooking. I’m also thankful that I’ve had the chance to live out my dream job at the Era everyday over the past year, something I haven’t taken for granted; for Buffalo sports teams that have become watchable over the past year; for my family and friends –– both near and far –– that have supported me every step of the way and make life awesome.

Finally, I’m especially thankful for numerous readers, players and coaches who have made my job so memorable over the first 12 months at the Era. — Anthony Sambrotto, sports reporter

— I am thankful for my daughter, Aisley, and her fighting spirit and creative nature; my precious Cambria, who is ever more beautiful each and every time I see her; my mom, Roxanne, and her continuous support; my dad, Richard, who will forever be my daddy; my brothers, Jason and Colton; Marcie Schellhammer, for understanding and always sharing a smile; Kyle Milliron for-ever making me frustrated; and for the entire Era news staff and the unique kind of crazy each brings to the melting pot. — Daniella Griesbaum, reporter and photographer

— I am thankful for the many freedoms that I have that I know others do not possess. I give thanks that I have free will to choose my own destiny. I’m grateful that I am learning a little more each day what I am meant for in this world. I am incredibly thankful that I have a place to live. I am forever in awe of all of the people in my life who love and support me. My dreams, both when I am asleep and awake, are another gift I don’t take for granted. — Amanda Caldwell, page designer

As the years accumulate for some of us, present company included, many of us find that it is the little things we should be thankful for.

They include:

— Waking up and bouncing out of bed – when occasionally you have to push up from the mattress and sit on the edge of the bed for a minute before holding on to the nightstand or dresser to stand up.

— Walking briskly out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee – when sometimes you shuffle out slowly on the tile while sweeping crumbs from your path in oversized floppy slippers.

— Shoveling the sidewalk with enough energy to spare for other outside projects in crisp, invigorating air  – when more times than not you make your way into the house with frozen hands and fall on the recliner with an achy back that lingers throughout the day.

— Hearing the greeting “Can I help you, Miss?” from a pleasant clerk – when the norm is “What do you need, sweetie?” from condescending store or restaurant employees.

There are other things in life, however,  I’m thankful for that aren’t tied to the aging body.

They include:

—  Having a little grandson and his mom and dad live in the community, which is a blessing in a day and age when many grown children have to live distantly for job opportunities.

— Living in an area community that has a plethora of compassion for the needy, the aged and people with special needs.

— Enjoying the presence of a beautiful nuclear and extended family, a fun-loving work family and a caring church family. — Kate Day Sager, reporter

I am grateful for the people around me who, even if they do not understand my quirks, accept them. I love them for theirs. I am grateful for a warm pair of pajamas and clean sheets to sleep in after a long day. I am grateful for that moment when I turn on the radio and the song playing is exactly what I want to hear, or that moment you look up and see a sky full of stars or the hills bathed in sunlight. I’m grateful to be someone who takes pleasure in small things and small town life. —Ruth Bogdan, reporter

I’m thankful for the many opportunities that my job has presented me with, and all of the interesting, generous, and thoughtful people that I’ve come across and had the chance to meet. The coaches, parents, administrators, and student-athletes that I’ve encountered truly make this area special. I’m fortunate to have so many comforts and privileges that many others don’t. I’m grateful to be able to spend time with my family, especially during the holidays when I get to reconnect with folks that I rarely get to see. I’m thankful for my colleagues who make every day of work entertaining and inspire me to always be better at what I do. And I’m thankful every day to live in a country that holds so much hope and opportunity even in trying times. — Nick Richardson, sports reporter