Tanksliving

Rain showers today in Ann Arbor. It's 37 °F outside, but feels like 27 °F. Although Turkey Day is a little less than two weeks away, Christmas songs made their premature debut on the radio at the beginning of the month. Looks like we're approaching that time of year again - "'Tis the season to be... consumerist - fa la la la la, la la la la." Let's certainly hope so - especially with buzzwords like "recession" and "depression" being thrown around.

Within the world of retail decor, the fourth Thursday of November has gotten the shaft. (Not to mention the fact that the day after the fourth Thursday of November is the biggest shopping day of the year...) In fact, in August, I had lunch with my adopted grandparents at Cracker Barrel, and was shocked and amazed to find juxtaposed two trees - one filled with Halloween decorations, and the other laden with Christmas ornaments. That said, it's easy to forget Thanksgiving, or even a lifestyle of thankfulness.

Cornucopias, pilgrim hats, and shopping sprees aside, "In 1623 a day of fasting and prayer during a period of drought was changed to one of thanksgiving because the rain came during the prayers. Gradually the custom prevailed in New England of annually celebrating thanksgiving after the harvest." (Thank you, History Channel: http://www.history.com/minisite.do?content_type=Minisite_Generic&content_type_id=874&display_order=2&mini_id=1083)

As the Little Drummer Boy pa-rum-pum-pum-pums you towards Christmas, think on things that you can be thankful for as we anticipate the Thanksgiving holiday. Here's a taste of what I'm looking forward to driving home to soon...