I don't really go for spouting off things that I'm thankful for. I'm okay with people making the assumptions that I'm thankful for the basics: having a roof over my head, food to eat, a job to do, people who care about me. Why? Because I am. There are, of course, other things I'm thankful for, but I like keeping information like that to myself. Otherwise I might not seem like the emotionless robot that I prefer people view me as.
However, it does kind of bother me, some people's reactions after they spend a few hours talking about how thankful they are for the things and people they have around them. Looking for sales is understandable, everyone wants to save money, but do they really have to stand in line for hours or days for another television set? Of course, no matter how much I or anyone else scoff, it's not going to stop people from buying into the (sometimes violently) competitive, consumer culture of Black Friday. So whatever.
Instead, I'm going to start a new tradition.
Thanksgiving is going to become just that. I'm going to give thanks for the abundance that I get to enjoy by giving, not back... just giving. Rather than buying something that I don't really need, I'm going to give the money to a food bank. That way, someone benefits. I think my wallet will be able to handle it.
I challenge some of you to do the same. Buy the item if you want, but think about also passing along some of your luck.
If you're in the Philadelphia area, a great food bank is Philabundance. They have lots of locations and are super involved in the greater metropolitan community. If you're a bit further out and don't know of a group in your area, plug "food bank" and your city/town into the Google and see what comes up.
Don't really have the finances that would allow you to give in that way? Volunteer a couple hours at a soup kitchen and help serve meals to people.
Find someway to give.
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