For Thanksgiving every year, as my family sits around the table, each member shares what he or she is most thankful for.

It’s a simple and pretty common tradition, but it’s one of the things I enjoy the most about the holiday.

There’s always plenty to be thankful for — health, family, friends, good food.

But this year, my first in Suffolk, I have started to think about the things I’m most thankful for in the city as a new resident.

The first thing that came to mind was the Nansemond River.

Although I don’t live on riverfront property, I am fortunate enough to live in The Riverfront neighborhood, where the river is only about a half-mile away from my front door.

Some mornings, I wake up in time to see the sun rise over the river while I’m taking a run or walking my dog. Seeing the sight always reminds me how nice it is to live in a city with such a beautiful waterfront.

It also makes me appreciate how important our rivers are in Hampton Roads.

The Nansemond River is truly a wonderful part of Suffolk. I hope all Suffolk residents have the opportunity to visit the river often and gain appreciation for how beautiful it is.

The river is something I’m thankful for that is close to my home, but I appreciate another aspect of the city, because it’s close to my work — the downtown restaurants.

This might seem like a silly thing to be thankful for, but believe me, when I’m having a tough day, making a stop at The Plaid Turnip puts a smile on my face.

Once you try a California burger from The Plaid Turnip, believe me, you’ll be thankful for the restaurant, also.

The first time I drove through the downtown I didn’t expect the restaurants to be so good, but places like Bullies and Primo 116 offer great selections.

Some of the restaurants in downtown are among the best in Hampton Roads, not just in Suffolk.

After living in Newport News for six years, I’m also glad I don’t have to deal with traffic congestion.

Sure, North Main Street gets a little busy during rush hours, but it is never completely stopped without an obvious reason.

And there are many ways for me to get from downtown back to the northern part of the city, so I usually don’t have to worry about traffic on my way home at all.

Above all, I’m thankful that I’ve had to opportunity to get to know my new home so well.

Through my job, I’ve had the chance to visit so many different places in the city, everything from a natural wonder like the Great Dismal Swamp to the busy setting of Sentara Obici Hospital.

I’ve been to more places in Suffolk than any other place I’ve lived, and I’ve had that chance, because I’m here covering the news.

There’s a ton to be thankful for in Suffolk, and I’m lucky to be a part of it.