après jeudi, le déluge

The fourth Thursday in November isn't sacred. It isn't connected to our nation's hallowed dead, a celebration of religion, or a blazing remembrance of our nation's history.

Admittedly, Thanksgiving is couched in our country's mythology – the story of the Pilgrims and their Native American friends, who cooperated and shared the harvest in thanks.

But the purpose of the holiday has overshadowed that well-known story. Thanksgiving doesn't call on us to remember our country's past, or celebrate a particular faith.

It remains, as it always has been, a harvest celebration – a time, as the days grow shorter and colder, to join with family and friends in the warmth of good food and good companionship.

It is an important holiday and, for some, a favorite.

Perhaps the greatest testament to the importance of Thanksgiving is how hard it has been to commodify.

As other holidays have risen to greater heights of display and ostentation, Thanksgiving remains fairly simple – gathering with loved ones, sharing a meal and taking a moment before launching into the holiday season.

Of course, Thanksgiving is directly followed by perhaps the single biggest orgy of consumerism of the year – Black Friday.

This year, the annual bacchanal of commerce will be even more intense – some stores plan on opening their doors to shoppers at midnight.

But it is important to remember that the sales start on the day after Thanksgiving – they shouldn't interfere with the holiday itself. 

On Thursday, we encourage you to enjoy your meal, spend time with loved ones and celebrate the harvest.

Then, if it moves you, go get that flat-screen you've been wanting.

After all, sales can be something to be thankful for too.