It's that TIME AGAIN!

Black Friday deals are already being offered. 

Stores are going to be open on Thanksgiving Day. 

I applaud the stores who refuse to be open so that their employees can spend Thanksgiving with their families.

What's going on?  Have we really forgotten the meaning of family, being together, and celebration?

Sadly, I think we have.

I know that time with family can be difficult.  No one looks forward to that.   However, when we choose the store or item over the special time of celebration, whether we celebrate with families, friends, or a simple glass of wine, we make a mistake.   We are social creatures.  We are meant to share our joys and sorrows with each other.  We are meant to laugh and talk.  We are meant to cry.
We are meant to remember.  Celebration is an important part of our social structure.

The joy of the holidays is no more. 

That can change, but you have to make the decision to bring The Real Thanksgiving and Christmas back.  What can you do?
 
Resolve not to shop on Thanksgiving.  I don't care what the deals are!  Stay home.  Spend time with the kids.  Spend time with the family.  Make a call to wish someone you haven't seen in a long time a Happy Thanksgiving.  Catch up on family news.  Play a game.  Relax and watch TV. 

That's a big step.  Forget the things.  Remember the real meanings.