The Thanksgiving season is upon us and just a few days from now, most US citizens will be traveling too far on the worst travel day of the year, to see family they'd rather not spend an afternoon with and will likely see again in another month, and eating far more than they should of some of the best food they've ever tasted on what is a uniquely American holiday.
And while the cynics among us have hit a fever pitch with their decrying of the commercialization and corporate marketing rollouts that have been growing in waves for the last decades, it remains that Thanksgiving is a top holiday for many US citizens.
Of the Big Five, (Easter and July 4th plus the fall triumvirate of Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving) was there ever a question. The three main reasons - least commercialized, most bang for the buck, and one of the 3 times of real reflection all year. Thanksgiving falls right in the middle of the peak shopping season and therefore can't escape being part of the marketing blitz. In fact, the day after Thanksgiving is always one of the busiest shopping days of the year. However, the day of Thanksgiving itself has remained largely untouched by Madison Avenue, except for the necessary foodstuffs, in comparison to Easter, Fourth of July, and certainly Halloween and Christmas. Easter and Christmas marketing efforts are weeks long in preparation and fireworks spending is also remaining strong. And Halloween is a short-lived holiday that many kids look forward to, but parents dread - not only for the candy that remains but the late dark night and weeks of candy-grubbing afterward.
Thanksgiving, though, has remained true to it's roots - a time to be with loved ones, eat good food, and travel as much as you visit. As far as bang for the buck, though, nothing beats it. While many begin turkey preparations up to a week ahead of time, the overall preparation is simple. Just show up and start eating. I mean, you've got to eat anyway on the last Thursday of November. But you certainly don't have to look for eggs, light dynamite on fire, buy 10x too much candy, or do everything people do around Christmas - yet we all do it. Thanksgiving has stayed true to its origins and provided much satisfaction for a relatively easy investment of time, money, and effort. And even if you are the host or cook for the year, other family are always willing to chip in.
Finally, Thanksgiving truly is a time to sit back and consider what you have to be grateful for. In fact, many families include a time around the dinner table to talk about what they have and are grateful to have. And besides one's birthday and New Year's Day, there is no other specific time during the year when everyone is reflecting collectively. So while the shopping season will hit it's fever pitch shortly after Thanksgiving and many will start stressing out over the few pounds, consumer spending, and family interactions they'll take over the next month, Thanksgiving will still remain the Last Great Holiday.
Published At: www.Isnare.com
Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=19995&ca=Culture
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