The Delicious Turkey Meal before the Sales

Ah, yes. It's that time of the year again - and no, I'm not referring to the big rush on Thursday evening for the midnight door-buster specials.

Thanksgiving.

Reflecting on America's history - the purpose of this Thursday's celebration - and the earliest times with the Pilgrims, my mind is blown as to how superstores find this holiday to be a time to roll into the 'black'.

The same day I found out my immediate family was gathering around the table this year with my extended family in Ohio for the Thanksgiving meal was when I heard retailers such as Wal-Mart, Target, Toys-R-Us and Best Buy are opening as early as 9 or 10 PM on Thursday evening. WOW!

Not only do I feel sorry for the employees that may be forced to work on these days, but I question what our society has come to; gathering with family to celebrate the holidays, watching America's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, The Peanuts "A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving"® and some traditional football or rush out into purchasing that new computer or incredibly cheap TV set for the family room.

In no regards am I 'bashing' these corporations (and that was not my intention in any means) but I think retailers have taken control of this holiday to an extent where it may become ridiculous in the coming years. What's going to happen next year, a 'Black Wednesday'?  

In any case, I would like to wish all the Patchers throughout Shelby Twp., Utica, and Macomb (and anywhere in the nation for that matter) a very Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy those sentimental moments with the family, and challenge you to think whats more important: standing in a line smelling the 'scrap' (if you know what I mean) of other people's Thanksgiving meal or treasuring the time you can spend with others you may not see as much on this very special occasion.