This e-card may have been relevant a few years ago, but not anymore. Now, people trample others for sales only a few short hours after being thankful for what they already have. With their stomachs still stuffed and their clothes stained with remnants of the most problematic Thanksgiving dish (cranberry sauce), shoppers will have their sights set on the best bargains and be ready to pounce on them as soon as the clock strikes 6, or 8, or 10 p.m. on Thanksgiving.

Retail giants like Walmart, Target, and Macy's, among others, have waged war on Thanksgiving over the past couple of years, beginning their Black Friday bargains on Thursday evening. Though this move helps them to stand out from a crowded field of deals on Black Friday, it comes at high cost to culture and family.

By starting the largest shopping day in America a day earlier, retailers are suggesting to their customers -- and to the American public in general -- that their Black Friday profits are more important than the oldest holiday in American history and more important than customers and employees spending the holiday with their families and revering in thanks.

Thanksgiving is family. Thanksgiving is conversation. Thanksgiving is tradition. Thanksgiving is eating way too much and not regretting it. Thanksgiving is football. Thanksgiving is the Macy's Parade. Thanksgiving is reflection. Thanksgiving is realizing your blessings.

Thanksgiving is not neglecting all of the above to drive to the nearest Walmart and fight over a $2 markdown on towels. This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to resist these attacks on one of our most precious holidays by either not shopping on Thanksgiving at all or doing your shopping online. Thanksgiving only comes once a year, so spend it on the people and the things that matter.