Not long ago, I mentioned to my coworkers I didn’t use the word “plethora” as I used to in the past. For a fact, it was my favorite word when I started at the Daily Sun some 12-plus years ago.

However, it didn’t take long for plethora to become one of my least favorite words. Why? Well it all boils down to a Corsicana High School varsity football game, specifically against Waxahachie if I recall correctly. The year was 1998.

Corsicana was going to celebrate its sesquicentennial the next day, and since the Daily Sun was just one of the many promoters of this event, I had the privilege of standing on the visitors’ side of Tiger Field to hand out schedules to the opposing fans — hoping they would deem it necessary to make a return trip to The Can the following day.

Things were going great until I heard the game announcer say: “There’s a plethora of bodies on the (30) yard line.” Yep. Plethora at a football game. Something’s just not quite right with that. So from moment in time, a football announcer was the determining factor of me not using “plethora” for years.

But for today, I can’t help but once again go back to what plethora is all about. For those of you who don’t know what plethora means, it is described as an excess or an overabundance. Such is the case of our upcoming holiday events — a plethora indeed!

Let’s start with today’s events, shall we? And we will proceed rapidly ...

Community Thanksgiving services abound today in Blooming Grove, Dawson, Hubbard and Kerens while Mildred will have a community Thanksgiving dinner. Corsicana’s annual community Thanksgiving service will be Tuesday evening at Navarro College. This makes a change of location and day. I’m looking forward to that day because I’ll start off at First United Methodist Church for the annual turkey spaghetti luncheon and finish with the Thanksgiving service that evening. What a day!

Oh, there are all sorts of musical events, too. From the college and area high schools’ band and choir concerts to elementary school musicals, to church cantatas, there is something musical for everyone!

The upcoming Corsicana parade held at night, uh, day, uh, night (the last I heard was night) will be on Dec. 5.

Don’t forget about the Corsicana Children’s Company performance of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” at the Warehouse Living Arts Center. There’s also Ball in the House (I really hope I get to hear these guys) at the Palace Theatre.

I mustn’t forget home tours. There’s one in Corsicana, Kerens, Blooming Grove, Frost and Hubbard. Seek, and you will find. Don’t think that’s what the portion of Matthew 7:7 meant.

If you haven’t ever seen “The Christmas Star” at The Cook Center, make an effort to see it. At only $2, it’s affordable for most.

Santa Claus is sure to be around town often during the holidays. He has scheduled appearances planned at Collin Street Bakery and College Park Mall (sometimes even at the same time — how does Santa do that anyway?) and other locations as well. If all goes well, we might even hear of the annual visit Santa makes to the Charles Henry Harrison home. When we know, we’ll let you know!

If that wasn’t enough, several churches have scheduled advent services in December as well as candlelight services the week of Christmas.

So much to do, and so little time! It kind of reminds me of my cooking. How can I get it all done? Pies, cakes, salads, dressing, gravy? Oh my. And Thanksgiving is Thursday! What will I ever do?

Before I even get to the cooking part, I want to stay mindful and be thankful for the many blessings I have received — freedom as an American, but more importantly in my personal life is the freedom I have in Christ which makes me appreciate times such as Thanksgiving even more.

If you get to spend time with some of your family this Wednesday or Thursday, cherish the moments. Also, I am suggesting something that my family always enjoys — reading the annual turkey and pie “recipes” submitted by some elementary schoolchildren.

I began this recipe tradition at the Daily Sun when my son Travis was in Jana Lowman’s second grade class at Navarro Elementary and I have used a second grade class throughout the years until this year. This is a first! To be exact, a first-grade class!

In the meantime (I wouldn’t count on using these students “recipes” for the real deal), I’m offering a wonderful and easy chicken and dressing casserole recipe I got from Sue Reed last year. It’s perfect if you are preparing for just a few. Top it with my sister ReNee’s mushroom gravy. (You can double the recipe with no problem.) Voilà — two of your tasks are done! Have a blessed Thanksgiving.

Chicken and Dressing Casserole

Boiled chicken, de-boned (or use two large cans of white chicken)

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 can cream of celery soup

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 onion, chopped

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1 6-ounce package Stove Stop stuffing, cornbread style

Mix all ingredients and pour into greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes (brown on top). Serve with gravy, if desired.

Mushroom Gravy

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1/2 can chicken broth

1/2 can milk

1 to 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped

Mix ingredients together in pan and cook until heated through. Serve over dressing.

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Camille McClanahan may be contacted via e-mail at camille@corsicanadailysun.com. Want to “Sound Off” on this column? E-mail: soundoff@corsicanadailysun.com