Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Because I’m Thankful

This week, I will cook turkey and pie and potatoes and about 20 other delicious things and spend a special holiday with all but one member of my immediate family (my oldest son will be in Utah). Then, my daughters and I will spend the afternoon PLANNING a massive shopping trip for Friday.

FRIDAY. Not Thursday.

I have long been a Black Friday junkie. Even an addict, if you want to call a spade a spade. And my daughters have joined me in this obsession. But this year, some stores are opening on Thursday in order to try to entice some of us crazy addicts into skipping out of our Thanksgiving dinner—time that is actually very important—for…shopping. And as much as I love it, as much as I’ve been an advocate of great deals, this is too much for me.  

Yes, I’m aware that some stores are opening in the late evening, but that still requires all store employees to work through the holiday, which is a big deal. (I’ve worked in retail—these days are the reason people quit.)

I would feel horribly ungrateful were I to prioritize material things over this very special day. And so while we may jump online for some great things, my family and I will be sticking to tradition and not leaving our house for our adventures until the clock tolls midnight. I know I’m only one person, but I don’t want to be one single person who contributes to the problem. I have too many reasons for which I am thankful to squander away the one day of the year set aside for remembering my blessings.

My readers are among those blessings. So thank you for your amazing, wonderful support.


Regardless of where or how you spend your Thanksgiving, I hope you take a minute to remember all the blessings in your life. Happy Thanksgiving! 

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I feel the same way. It's wrong that people should have to forfeit their time with their families on a holiday so others can shop. There's pretty much 350 other days in the year for that. =P Way to make a stand.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

Cindy Beck, author said...

I totally agree. The stores should be closed on holidays so employees can spend time with their families. Well-written article, Nicole!

Cindy Beck, author said...

Accckkk, so sorry about the typo on your name. My brain spelled out N.I.C.H.O.L.E and my fingers were not listening!