It's that time of the year again--when the weather is stuck between the crisp fall air and falling leaves and the cold winter breeze and fresh blankets of snow. It’s November. The season of giving thanks and remembering the sacrifices that had been made. But, for many, the season of giving has been surpassed and almost completely forgotten about. Why is that you may ask?
Well, I’m not entirely sure, but by the looks of things on social media, people are screaming, “Move over, November and please bring on December!”
I understand the appeal of wintertime. I, too, have fallen victim to falling in love with the decorations covered in snow, the trips to the city, and my love for hot chocolate. However, I haven’t forgotten about November and I most certainly haven’t gotten trapped in the Christmas mindset yet. I still remember Thanksgiving.
I can see where the lack of appeal comes from, though. The decorations aren’t as elaborate as they are for holidays like Christmas. And, to be honest, orange and brown aren't really anybody’s best colors. I could also go without seeing a giant, inflatable turkey every fifteen feet.
But when did such a holiday only focus on color schemes, designated holiday mascots, and boring cornucopia decorations? Because really, who even cares about a cornucopia? November seems to be the month where everybody talks about the killer sales that they’re going to get on Black Friday. But, you don’t really hear people talking about what they’re thankful for. And, most of the time, they don’t realize that while they’re out getting such awesome bargains, they’re taking away someone else’s time with their family. The retail workers that are being forced to work on this holiday are sacrificing time with their family for your holiday greed. The workers that are being forced to work on this holiday most likely don’t have an option to request off; probably because people have been waiting months for these “deals.” Black Friday has become a shopping and holiday tradition that shouldn’t even exist. Think about it people!
'Tis the season of giving thanks, right? More like, “no thanks, I’ll skip out on that and wait in line for days for s#!% that I don’t really even need.”
I remember when I was younger, Thanksgiving was my favorite holiday. I got to spend time with my entire family and we were finally all under one roof. Playing cards, watching the game, eating all of our favorite foods, and just enjoying each other’s company was my favorite part of the holiday. Isn’t that what the holiday is about—reminding the people you love how thankful you are for them?
It seems to me that Thanksgiving now should be called “Takesgiving,” because honestly, that’s just how it is. You’re taking time away from people so you can get the best deals. You’re taking away the true meaning of the holiday. And, you’re potentially taking away from your own family traditions.
How about this November, we think about the things we’re thankful for—not the things we want on our Christmas lists? Let’s tell people that we’re thankful for them and let’s remember all that has been given up for us in order to live the lives that we have. And, honestly, are any of us really ready for December? Let’s focus on the present. Let’s focus on November. Let’s focus on giving thanks and giving back. That’s really what this month should be about.
