Taking The Thanks Out Of Thanksgiving - Shopping or Family?

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I have been traveling so much this year and have spent so much time in Washington DC area, which I love and truly believe it to be one of the most beautiful places in the country.  However, I am amazed (not in a good way) at the sheer amount of money here (I shall refrain from political snark at this time).  Am I really the only one not driving a BMW?  There is more high-end retail here than anywhere I have ever been.  
Do we really need more stuff?  It just astounds me that on a day we are supposed to be thankful for what we have, we now spend it scouring over ads and going out shopping for crap we do not need.  There are so many people in need (I have been one of them in past years).  We have taken the thanks out of Thanksgiving.    

Employees at retailers are usually not being paid extra for their holiday hours and typically do not have the option of working or not working - they either work Thanksgiving holiday or lose their jobs. 

We have so many people and families in this country that are doing without basic necessities of life, not to mention a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner.  What if we went without a $6.00 coffee and donate to the Typhoon Haiyan victims?  Or a buy some special foods (that you would like to eat, not cans of creamed corn) and dropping them off at the local food bank?   Perhaps even volunteering for a couple of hours (the time you would be shopping).  Imagine the impact that would have on your kids?


My point being - enough is enough.   I am doing myself (and planet earth) a favor and I am spending my Thanksgiving being incredibly thankful for what I have and not spending it wishing I had more and shopping with the masses.

We are staying home, playing and celebrating Thankfulness!

Happy Happy Thankfulness Thanksgiving to You & Your Family!


My Notes:

Shopping with your family is not exactly what I am talking about when I say spend Thanksgiving with your family.

Be daring and leave your mobile phone and computer....off for Thanksgiving! *gasp* 


What are you thankful for?

Comments

Anonymous said…
I refuse to shop the sales on Thanksgiving. I think its wrong to make employees work on a holiday so i can save a few bucks. They deserve to celebrate with their loved ones too!
Unknown said…
The money is more evident at the PTA meetings. Louis Vuitton is the 'in' bag. It's a little daunting to see all the $500 purses, shoes and other expensive accessories.

Me? I'm usually wearing a t-shirt with a cartoon character and carrying a purse I bought at a thrift store for $7!
Nicki said…
That's so funny...but, sad at the same time. There are families down the street with not enough to eat and the money being spent on accessories is repugnant! And love the cartoon character tee ;D Happy weekend to you!
Unknown said…
I'm glad to see that you ladies feel the same way I do! I've worked in retail for a long time now & I've been forced to work on thanksgiving for a few years. We hardly have any holidays left to spend time with our families. It's upsetting.