Riverguy has always liked Thanksgiving. As a kid, we made Thanksgiving decorations for our school classroom, and for our house and yard. Images of turkeys, Indians, corn, and feasts where seen in stores and homes. And the holiday itself -- a cozy family fall dinner, with no presents required. Just togetherness, and thankfulness.
Today it seems like we rush right by Thanksgiving. As soon as Halloween is over, stores break out the Christmas trees and other holiday decorations. Some stores (which shall go un-named) had Christmas decorations out BEFORE Halloween!
Toms River Online's Facebook page has just shared a post about Santa arriving already (Nov 7th!) at the Ocean County Mall. Most people commenting are expressing the thought that this is way too early. Some of them are just not ready to start holiday shopping, but others agree with Riverguy -- Thanksgiving is getting passed-by, and we shouldn't do it. One person summed it up this way: "Way to early!! I don't understand what the rush is?!? The children are still indulging in their candy and talking about Halloween!! No matter what, I wouldn't bring my children to see him (Santa) until after Thanksgiving."
Not only that...let's not deprive our kids of the opportunity to learn about the history of Thanksgiving, why it is important, and the spirit of thankfulness that embodies the day. Shouldn't we preserve at least one day a year to get together with family, and to think about all the things we have to be thankful for?
