Let’s start the long weekend with a positive note of hope, stressing the importance of the day in America.
Though there had been native North American celebrations and feasts in the early 1600s, we most celebrate the Pilgrims meeting up with the Indians.
In 1623, a drought was ruining the crops at Plymouth Plantation. Colonists prayed and fasted. Captain Miles Standish arrived with word of an incoming Dutch supply ship. There was celebration and a day of Thanksgiving and prayer on June 30. This 1623 festival was likely the origin of our celebration, combining religion with a social affair.
On Oct. 3, 1789, President George Washington proclaimed that the people of the United States observe “a day of public thanksgiving and prayer” on Thursday, the 26th of November.
Thanksgiving is a fitting time for Americans to think of our good fortunes with family and friends with a prayer.
Yet this time of year tends to annually provide us with disheartening news. This time, some retailers in New Jersey are disregarding the shopping frenzy known as Black Friday. They are opening their doors today, the traditional day to spend time with families, food and football.
Today, add the word “fear.”
Retailers in some locations have heard the troubling predictions for this season. The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales this November and December will be $437.6 billion, down from $442 billion last year.
U.S. households are expected to spend an average of $390 this season, down 7 percent from estimates of $418 last year.
So Wal-Mart, The Gap, Old Navy and others — not necessarily in central Indiana — will make an early move.
If you have to buy today — and you don’t — buy American on Thanksgiving Day.
The other fear: Cyber Monday, set for Nov. 30. That’s the day when e-tailers notice a surge in sales. Buying through the Internet, consumers don’t have to wake up at 5 a.m. and stand in cold lines waiting for doors to open. But frustration is just as strong as e-tailers change their special deals without notice and quantities are limited.
Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become artificial national days to provoke consumer fear, telling us that if we don’t get a special deal, we’ll never see it again. Saving $20 tomorrow on a camera is probably not as important as creating the memories this day of being with family and friends.
Use this day, maybe at halftime or before the meal is served, to thank those around you. Travel carefully to spend time with relatives. Drop by a neighbor’s house and thank them for being welcoming throughout the year. Turn off the Internet and keep your credit card out of reach. Have a happy day.
Editorials
Editorial: Happy Thanksgiving!
- Editorials
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Editorial: Sentencing should be determined by judge most familiar with case
We should show concern about the handling of a criminal’s recent case under the Madison County unified court system, a concept where judges share resources to help reduce costs, avoid backlogs and move cases forward.
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Editorial: 911 consolidation good for county
When it comes to emergencies, a fast and proper response is sometimes the difference between life and death. Therefore it is important for 911 services to be coordinated for the best response time. It’s even better if those services are consolidated with one location fielding calls from multiple areas.
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Editorial: On Valentine’s Day, indulge in selfishness of volunteering
In the final analysis, we’re all selfish beings. Everything we do, at its core, is motivated by what is good for us.
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You Said It: About roundabouts, Mayor Smith’s firings, recycling, State of City address
The bottom line in Mayor Kevin Smith’s State of the City address Tuesday during the Anderson Rotary Club’s luncheon at Anderson Country Club was simple: To attract investment, you have to make investments. (Article published Feb. 4.)
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Editorial: Firings show inability to turn foes into friends
Politics is a double-edged sword.
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Editorial: Help celebrate city's strong black history
Many times we overlook the small achievements of residents long gone who made a better Anderson for those of us alive today. There is no better time to recognize and cherish those stories than during Black History Month.
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Editorial: Madison County needs vision for future tourism
Slot machines, gospel music, a beautiful state park and candy are all thriving as destination sites. Now is the time to explore a way to connect these valuable attractions and encourage new ideas.
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Editorial: AHS grad rates moving up, must be pushed ever higher
A diploma is a must, but it has to mean something. Anderson High School must do this the right way, not cutting corners and passing students through classes, but making them accountable for learning the subject matter.
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Editorial: With changes to program, why not begin recycling?
The public has to understand the importance of recycling aluminum and steel cans, cardboard, glass, newspapers and certain plastics. Besides minimizing a community’s waste, recycling saves energy, natural resources and the environment.
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Editorial: Reality returns after Super Bowl mania
While we loved what the Super Bowl did for our reputation, it’s time to get back to the real world. Let’s recap the lost week.
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