I hear everyone talking about Black Thursday and staying home on that day rather than shopping. While I agree that it is best to be with those you love at every opportunity, I also feel it is important to allow people to make their own choices. People have motives for what they say, and affiliations that seek to protect.

Some are with unions, some are for the corporations.  Some are bitter at having to work on those days, rather than being home.  Some are afraid of loved ones being injured in the bustle or not proud of their own actions of years past.  Everyone has a reason to go or stay home and they are all valid, even if they are rooted in misperception.  Not all are, but most are coloured by experiences rather than facts.

But, I digress.

If you must leave your family to shop or work tomorrow, please be certain to afford everyone you meet the highest level of courtesy. If you want that shiny new *object* by all means want it and strive to acquire it. However, assure that you do so with as much grace and kindness as you can.

For there is no price higher than the harming of another to achieve a goal. Be careful and cautious and shop with joy and abandon, not with anger and jealousy. If you miss out on the aforementioned object, then accept it. If you are in a tie for that wonderful treasure, imagine the gift you give another by being gracious enough to let them have it.

Do it as a favor to me, if you cannot think of another reason.  And please, pass this along.  Share it far and wide.

I make no claim to your freedom and I have no intention of asking you to stay home or go out tomorrow. I only ask that you make an attempt to do either with intention and excitement.  Nothing out there is worth your dignity or another’s well being.

Happy Thanksgiving to you all. I hope you all enjoy the season ahead and may you all have the best of lives.

Thank you.