For a lot of us, no day is more special than Thanksgiving. In a society growing increasingly cynical and politically divisive, this day reminds us to set it all aside and focus on the positive. All that hasn’t gone wrong in our lives. And give thanks for that reality. From good friends and good health to a healthy perspective on a country that is still pretty special, however manifestly imperfect.
As opposed to Christmas, Thanksgiving comes with no obligation. No requisite decorating, no concern about religious inclusiveness, no gift-giving or re-gifting. And no cards from those who embarrassingly eluded our must-send lists.
What’s not to like except mornings no longer reserved for traditional football rivalries? Well, there’s this: Thanksgiving is now associated with shopping like never before.
It’s now more than the herald for “Black Friday” and the (32-day) holiday shopping season that is projected to yield $586 billion in sales. This year, thanks largely to major big-box retailers, Thanksgiving is being turned into “Black Thursday.” Store doors will be open in some markets before the Macy’s Day Parade begins. Lots of shoppers and lots of big-box employees somewhere other than with family and friends.
This is Thanksgiving? No, thanks.
Increasingly, we are tradition challenged, our civic institutions undercut by popular culture, our sense of shared experience relegated to quaint yesteryears. What we don’t need is any further diluting of this quintessential American holiday. Some things shouldn’t be for sale, especially on Thanksgiving.
As for the O’Neills, we’re grateful to be part of the shared Thanksgiving experience hosted by our friends, Earl and Joyce. Lining up early for door-buster deals on LG Blu-ray players at Walmart was never a factor.