Allow me to ramble… First, I am anything but a cynic. In fact, you could say I am dangerously on the opposite side of that coin. I’m perfectly fine with that. What I’ve come to notice, however, is that many of the real, human treasures that we take for granted have become more and more susceptible to having the opposite effect of their original intent. The Thanksgiving holiday is a great example of a disappointing trend in society we’re seeing right before our eyes. I think it’s important to point out that this is not an attempt to sell you anything or change your opinion, and no animals were harmed in the process!
I love Thanksgiving. For me, I had wonderful memories growing up. I remember hanging with cousins, eating way too much, and Dallas Cowboys football. If I close my eyes I can still see the rows of pies and dessert items that outlined my grandmother’s dining room. We call my grandmother Honey. It’s got to be because she’s so sweet. Let me tell you, Honey can flat throw down in the kitchen. Our family was, and still is, always laughing. Every year there’s a competition of some sort, because what’s family without trying to one-up each other, right? Nowadays, our groups have shrunk a little in size. The whole family doesn’t gather like we used to. Extended families, priorities, and hectic schedules have gotten in the way a bit. It’s ok, though, because albeit smaller, we still share in many of the same traditions. We’ve even added some new ones. Since the ladies in my life are professional shoppers, Black Friday is a big deal in our house. While lunch is preparing, we’ll lay out all of the newspapers, magazines, and holiday shopping flyers across the living room floor. Everyone plops down with their markers and lists and goes to work. “I want this one! Oooooh, look at that. What a great deal!” These are all common gasps you’ll hear. Christmas shopping lists get built and we get to enjoy each other’s company. Food. Outside-activity. Football. Food. Nap. Dessert. More football. Food. That pretty much sums up the remainder of the day. What’s not to like about a day like that?
Here’s another point of view of that same day:
Work almost always gets so busy in November-December. These holidays leave me with less time to do more work. I’m going to have to put in some late hours this week so I can take the time off necessary. The family is going to have to fend for themselves. We’ve got a long drive ahead of us so it would be great to get some sleep. Down there and back in one day is rough. Unfortunately, since I signed up for two sides and a dessert, it looks like I’ll be cooking instead of sleeping. It’ll be fun, it’ll be fun. I can’t believe we overslept! Maybe if I just drive 5 miles over the speed limit I won’t get pulled over. It’s a holiday, right? The casserole shifted a bit during the ride so I can only imagine what my sister is going to say. Ok, I can finally relax after hanging with the family for a few hours. It’s getting late so we better get on the road. We’ve got the leftovers. We’ve got the shopping list(s) for tomorrow. I think I’ll be home in time to get a couple of hours’ sleep before I wake up at 3:30 AM to enter into the Battle Royale that is American Retail on November 28th. Those other shoppers better pack a lunch because I am straight up on a mission tomorrow. Bring it!
Did we miss the part about giving thanks for something? By the time you’re able to take a breath, and actually enjoy the company of those family members you haven’t seen since the last holiday, it’s time to head back out the door. Have we created a crazy expectation of how we’re supposed to act and what we’re supposed to accomplish in this short, so-called relaxing weekend? Imagine if it’s your house the family is coming to. The burden and stress of going above and beyond with the cleaning, just so it can get completely messed up again the very next day is overwhelming. Then you add RETAIL. Over the last 15 years, the day after Thanksgiving has evolved into this crazy gauntlet of every-man-for-himself mad dash for savings, all in the name of saving 20 bucks. 20 bucks – really? For crying out loud, the day is called BLACK Friday! Sounds lovely. And, yes, people die during these shopping adventures. It’s just crazy to me.
Perspective is such a funny thing. One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Different strokes for different folks. I’m lucky I suppose. I’ve always sort of leaned to the “worry less – laugh more” side of the fence. For sure it’s not always easy. I have to be conscious of it. No doubt there are days when smiling is difficult. Holidays, time off from work, visiting family members, eating well, and reflecting back on the things I am grateful for should not be one of those days when smiling is hard. It really all comes down to making a decision that holidays like Thanksgiving are truly a time for us to enjoy all of the many things we are blessed with in life. Make the decision to have the right perspective. It’s a contagious quality and your positive outlook can infect others. What’s even funnier is that it really comes down to a simple decision. It’s so easy. Your bills will be there when it’s over. Your work may still be hectic come Monday. Your child may actually live even if they don’t get that one super-cool toy. That extra $20 bucks I have to spend for waiting until next weekend to buy won’t actually be the cause of my bankruptcy. You want to do something really crazy? Hold a door open for someone on Black Friday and let them get in before you. Talk about mind blown!
I guess what I’m saying is show up when you show up. Your dishes don’t have to be perfect. Laugh. Hug. Stand up with both hands over your head when your team scores – even if no one else is. Overeat. There are no diets on the 27th. Have seconds. Leave when you want and don’t set an alarm. So what, if you don’t get there before they open. Who likes standing in line anyways? Pay attention to the Christmas ornaments. Go touch and feel all of the gadgets that you want to buy and then go home and buy most of it online – where it’s the exact same price, if not cheaper. Tell a clerk, “Thank you,” or “Happy Thanksgiving!” Better yet, give out some high-fives. High-five’s are the best. Do lunch with the fam’ in your PJ’s. Catch a matinee and plan absolutely nothing on Saturday. The ole battery could stand a good recharging! If you go to church, don’t miss this Sunday – I hear the message is awesome. When you’re there, squeeze the hands of those beside you and send up a special thank you for that motley crew that you call family.
Life can be pretty overwhelming at times and it’s easy to get caught up in the rat race. The media, the peer pressure, and the expectations can be misleading. The cynics are everywhere. The good news is there are still a few of us out there that take great pride in stopping to smell the roses and soaking in the finer things of life. I hope you’ll join us. Before long, we might just become the majority and the cynical points of view just might become fossils. Look past what you’re “supposed” to do and make an effort to do what you “want” to do this holiday season. Tell your kids it’s ok to do the same. Enforce a strict “3-day-no-complaining” rule. Heck, shoot for 4! It’ll be the best 4 days you’ve had all year. And if anyone asks, tell them I said you deserve it. Be thankful. Isn’t that what it’s all about?