Don't go, Thanksgiving!

At work this week, I heard something: Christmas music.

Christmas music!?! 

It can't be--not yet!

Then, we see this shopping today: only two shelves of Thanksgiving stuff on sale with a backdrop of rows and rows of Christmas stuff!

Christmas is taking over!

Noooooo!

I love Christmas, but why do we skip Thanksgiving and cruise right on to Christmas?

Already selling Christmas wares

People, Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday of all time.

I have so many fond memories of hanging out with my family, cooking dinner together, and playing mah jong while eating oranges afterward.

I seriously love Thanksgiving.

Once again I ask, why do we get sucked into the commercialism of Christmas that we skim over a much-needed, gratitude-building holiday?

I say, let's not get sucked in. They always talk about the Christmas spirit. I say let's develop a Thanksgiving spirit too. Here's how I try to have that Thanksgiving spirit:

1. Count my blessings: Just thinking about everything you have and what you've learned and where you are (we've all got things to be grateful for) does wonders.
2. Write thank-you notes: The handwritten thank-you note is a thing of antiquity, but that's probably why it makes such an impact when you do send one. You have people to thank, you know you do. Write them a note--you'll make their day!
3. Don't go shopping on Thanksgiving: I know, I know, you are thinking that I am a crazy woman who loves throwing away money. But you're wrong--I LOVE getting a good deal on merch as much as the next good Asian; but be with your family and friends on Thanksgiving. Play games. Watch football. Eat leftovers. Watch a movie. Those are the memories that are so precious to me--that time hanging out with my family. Plus, do you really need all that extra junk? Probably not.

Do you agree? Am I the only one that can't stand how Thanksgiving is the often-forgotten, often-overlooked holiday?

Discuss!