Thanksgetting

I am thankful this year that I do not have a job.  While I might miss having as much money as we have in the past and all the things that go along with more income, I do not miss wondering if I will have to work on the holiday.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  Have we thought about that?  THANKSGIVING.  Giving thanks.  And yet, so many people will leave their families tomorrow to shop.  Don't get me wrong, on one income, I loves me a bargain, but I love my family so much more.  I don't want to be anywhere but with them.  Listening and sharing stories of loved ones gone, memories from long ago, imparting traditions to my son for him to carry on with his children one day.

Tomorrow, if you are one of those shopping, look at the cashiers, the stock boys, managers wandering the floors.  They are there so that you can grab that deal.  While you are purchasing that sought after game station or my little pony or cashmere sweater and thinking about what you are saving, please, think about what you are costing the employees.  Realize that cashier is maybe a single mother who has left her child in the hands of a friend or Grandparent, so you can buy your child that barbie dream house.  That stock boy had to give up a trip home, he's working his way through college, tonight, he'll go home to an empty dorm room, so your son can have the new iPhone.

Yes, they might be getting paid extra, but they also were there hours before you walked in the store, dinner didn't happen for them, while you were serving out the pie, they were serving up signage.  If I offered you $100 or $200, would you have left your family, gone without your dinner, missed the parade?

For what?  So that we could indulge the greed and avarice we've instilled in our children?  When did Christmas become about "give me everything I want"?  I assure you, your child will grow up just fine and dandy without a new TV in their bedroom.  I know, I know, we all want our children to have more than we had, but more of what?  Sure, I remember not getting a pair of guess jeans for Christmas and the year I got red Jordache instead of dark blue.  I never had a barbie corvette, sigh.

So what does my son having more mean?  It means I am there, my mom always worked, until 2 months ago I always worked.  It means I recognize the importance of presence, not presents.  I wish my Daddy has seen just one school play, or prom, or, well, anything.  (Before you assign too much meaning, my Daddy was in the army, getting home for those things, well, it just wasn't in the cards)

Here's a test, if you think I'm crazy about presents not being important, ask your child what they got last year for Christmas, can they even remember?  What about 2 years ago?  Or 4?  Now ask them something they remember about you.  You will open a floodgate, and it will matter to them, and it will teach you about your place in your child's life.  Talk to your child, find out what is truly important, and do it by staying home tomorrow and talking to them, to your family, your parents, your nieces and nephews.  Talk, spend time, not money.  That's what tomorrow is all about, spending time, not money.

Remember, it's Thanksgiving, not ThanksGETTING.  If we stay home, maybe the retailers will see that it's not worth it, and next year, those employees will be home celebrating, don't they deserve that, just as much as you and I?

Happy Thanksgiving, to each and everyone.  Tomorrow I will be thankful for my family, my life and for all of you who indulge me so!  I will be with my family all weekend, I hope you are too.

PS, don't miss the follow up to this, CEOs everywhere, be warned, it's an open letter to you!  Enjoy your day home, we all know you didn't give up your holiday, though you expected your employees to, it may be the last one you have in peace if I have anything to say about it.  I know, my former CEO will be home, while many are in the office, making his bonus for him.  Enjoy, eat up, drink up.