Farm Fresh Blog

Thursday, November 24 2011

The "Christmas Spread" is a term the press threw about this morning to describe the shrinking holiday of Thanksgiving. Although this is my favorite season, I cannot help but feel like Charlie Brown, lost in a world of consumerism run amuck.

While some retailers hide the fact they are opening on Thanksgiving Day by calling it "Midnight on Black Friday," others proudly battle for the right to loudly proclaim they will be opening Thanksgiving Day. All this is to separate the consumer from his almighty dollar. And as if it were real news, the press carries this madness on every channel. They glorify the family that camps outside the department store, more than the family that sits at home with an empty chair on Thanksgiving Day, a chair that belongs to a soldier.

This morning the national news carried the story of a woman who camped on the sidewalk with her children - her 15 minutes of fame. What is she teaching? Is saving a few dollars on a television set more important than teaching her kids to thank God for the ability to even buy a television set? Is saving money on presents more important than thanking God for the friends and family who will receive these presents?

It's not about the shopping, it's about saying "thank you," about holding one day out, one holy day, to survey your little kingdom, to take stock of your life, and to thank the Good Lord for the things He's given you.

"Wow! We've got a lot to be thankful for."

"Yep. We sure do."

Posted by: forensicfarmgirl AT 09:04 am | Permalink | 9 Comments | Email

Comments:

Pumpkin pie (with real pumpkin--no canned goo) is in the oven and the turkey is standing in line for its turn. My 93 year old mom and 80 year old mother in law are getting in on the fun too. Mom is making my favorite fruit salad and "MiL" is cooking the squash. The house smells great. All my family that are still on this earth will be here. The phone is already busy moving laughter, smiles and memories among my friends. The dogs and cat are parked in front of the oven. Life is good. Thank You God.

Posted by Eric on 11/24/2011 - 09:58 AM

"We shall meet but we shall miss him, There will be one empty chair. We shall linger to caress him, While we breathe our evening prayer." That's a song from the Civil War, and just as valid today. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MSetV9MHo4k&feature=related

Posted by Carol Mathews on 11/24/2011 - 10:19 AM

Agreed on the shopping.... and it takes people away from their families to set up the stores and ready for the mob!!! We really don't need it - there needs to be quiet time for family and friends.

Posted by Susan on 11/24/2011 - 11:57 AM

We don't have Thanksgiving and post shopping. Ours is boxing day dafter Christmas. Yuk I am so sick of the commercialisation [sp] Hope you all had a wonderful Thnksgiving.

Posted by Liz [Vic Aust] on 11/24/2011 - 01:41 PM

amen! not only do we force people to work on Thanksgiving, we totally forget to thank all the people who are working to keep us safe and secure so we can celebrate - our active duty military, police/fire/public safety personnel, staff at hospitals and nursing homes and homeless shelters - and all the people who are alone today.

Posted by clairesmum on 11/24/2011 - 05:05 PM

Well said!

Posted by Sharon on 11/25/2011 - 09:06 AM

Wild geese fill the grain field stubble-they are being thankful they aren't turkeys. I'm thankful for all the wisdom, wit and laughter you share with us. Blessings to all!

Posted by sue in wyoming on 11/25/2011 - 11:10 AM

Awwwww . . . Thank you!!!!

Posted by forensicfarmgirl on 11/26/2011 - 04:45 PM

I was so impressed with this post that I have "shared" it on Facebook, giving credit to you, of course. Thank you for expressing so well what many of us feel! :)

Posted by Lynn on 11/27/2011 - 04:56 PM