Guy Ritchie

At first glance, the quickie divorce of this British director (Snatch, RocknRolla) and the world's most famous 'Material Girl' seems like nothing to celebrate. Factor in rumors that lady Madonna was reportedly an unyielding harpy who forced her hubby to attend Kabbalah classes, outlawed radio and television, insisted on a strict macrobiotic diet (eschewing milk, sugar and meat) and withheld sex in order to work out excessively; consider also that there are reports that despite Guy publicly refusing a settlement, he can expect a hefty payday - in the tens of millions - coming his way and Guy Ritchie's prospects as a single guy look rather promising. Whatever the settlement (if any), this year Guy may want to observe our American holiday by kicking back in front of the telly with a monstrous turkey leg, steaming cuppa tea (with all the milk he's missed out on) and an extra-sugary biscuit. Freedom never tasted so good.

Britney Spears

2007 was a toxic year for the pop princess. Miss Spears courted the media while exhibiting increasingly erratic behavior until she was finally hospitalized for psychiatric evaluation in early 2008. Then - oops, she did it again - and back to the hospital she went. What followed was a bitter custody battle with ex-husband Kevin Federline over her two small sons and a separate legal fight that resulted in the courts wresting control of her finances from her (her father Jamie assumed control). Fast forward: After an admittedly tough year in which Spears says she often felt like a "prisoner," it would seem baby steps are being made. Though K-Fed still has sole custody, Brit Brit was granted more access to her boys and she has a new album, "Circus," a publicity blitz in Europe and a world tour forthcoming. There is also word that her new MTV documentary, "Britney: For the Record" (airing Nov. 30th) will reveal a much more grounded, mature woman than did that 2005 train wreck of a series, "Britney and Kevin: Chaotic". Even more than reuniting with her boys, Britney reuniting with her senses is cause for celebration.

Michael Phelps

There was no greater story during the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics - not even the underage Chinese gymnast scandal - that captivated the public like the history-making, better-than-fiction triumphs of Baltimore native Michael Phelps. In record numbers, viewers tuned in to watch the lanky, long-torsoed swimmer break Mark Spitz's 36-year record of eight gold medals in a single Olympic games. Tally those wins to his complete Olympic haul and the numbers are staggering: Sixteen total Olympic medals, fourteen career gold medals and seven standing world records. A liberal helping of endorsement deals with the likes of Speedo, Visa and Subway, estimated in the $30-$50 million rage; multiple servings of TV appearances including an "SNL" hosting gig and recent appearance on HBO's "Entourage" and a mouthwatering array of women to choose from (Phelps was recently spotted cavorting with "dancers" at the Las Vegas Playboy Club). Forget Thanksgiving: When you're 23, single and a millionaire, every day is a feast of plenty.

Travis Barker & DJ AM

Just before midnight on September 19, a private twin engine Learjet carrying six passengers overran the runway on takeoff, slammed into an embankment and burst into flames. Two passengers managed to escape the fiery crash by sliding down the wings, rolling on the grass and patting one another down to extinguish the flames that engulfed their clothing. Former Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker and DJ Adam Goldstein were the only two survivors of that tragic crash, which killed both pilots, Barker's assistant and his bodyguard. As Travis lay in intensive care, DJ AM was counting his blessings: While being treated for burns, doctors found a potentially fatal blood clot in his leg that otherwise might have gone undetected. Despite their wounds - both physical and emotional - and a recovery process that is still ongoing, both men, surrounded by love, gratitude and the possibility of second chances, will be home with their families this Thanksgiving.

Have a safe and happy Turkey Day!

Story by Shannon Peace

Starpulse contributing writer