Let's Not Forget to be Thankful...

I was listening to the radio this morning on the way to work, and the morning show entertainers brought up a very good point about how we rush through the holiday way to fast. I love the holidays. I include Halloween and Thanksgiving in the line-up as well as Christmas and New Year's. But what I absolutely HATE about these last few months of the year is that it seems like everyone is chomping at the bit to get straight to Christmas, completely bypassing Thanksgiving, and leaving New Year's Eve as an afterthought. No wonder we all feel so let down the day after Christmas. The problem is that people generally don't take the time to appreciate the essence of each holiday, as one would savor the juicy flavors of the Thanksgiving turkey and the sweet spiciness of mom's pumpkin pie. As a person who values sensory experiences, I try to take my time to enjoy it all, as it comes in its own good time. What really gets me is walking into Walmart on Nov. 1st, fresh from the Halloween candy hangover, only to be greeted by a gigantic Christmas tree and winter wares all around me. It saddens me that commercialism is what it really boils down to these days, especially when the economy is stale and most of us are just trying to make ends meet, not load up our credit cards as many of us have during previous holiday shopping seasons. Families that make the decision to forget about gift giving and volunteering together during this time of the year really inspire me. They are the ones that "get it." Personally, I would rather have a fun holiday season enjoying the warmth and closeness of my family and friends in hearty celebration, than getting that Kindle, or an expensive pair of heels this year. Let's all make it a point to start simmering in the true meaning of the Holidays by giving Thanksgiving its due, and truly give thanks for the blessings we have in our lives, even if we are having personal, financial, or medical hardships. These too, shall pass.