THANKSGIVING: ONE OF THE FORGOTTEN HOLIDAYS

There is a trend in our holiday season that I find disturbing. After Halloween, stores and residences alike, start putting up Christmas themes. I realize that the shopper only has 54 days to purchase all the presents needed and that the themes of Christmas, whether Christian or not, are nice.

However, my favorite holiday seems to have been pushed aside. In the past few years, it appears to be as well celebrated as Columbus Day or Veterans Day. No offense is intended towards those holidays; however, I remember when Thanksgiving was truly celebrated.

I realize why Thanksgiving as a national holiday is on its way out of the spotlight. Two factors play a key role in Thanksgiving Day's demise: marketability and political correctness. First off, businesses can make more money putting up the Christmas items earlier. Consumers will buy more if the "buying season" is extended. Also, Pilgrim hats might prove more difficult to sell than toys. Unless there is a major marketing push, Thanksgiving can not compete with Christmas; therefore, the businesses will go with the Christmas theme as quickly as possible.

Secondly, the holiday is not politically correct. The holiday reminds us of our sins, as well as our fathers' sins. Some minorities do not see Thanksgiving in the same light as we Caucasians. In this era, there is a need to celebrate our nation as a collective while highlighting our differences. In other words, St. Patrick's Day is fine because everyone likes the holiday. Native Americans and African-Americans may like St. Patrick's Day and yet resent the "Euro-American" holiday of Thanksgiving.

Personally, I disagree. I think Thanksgiving is a day of thanks to God. Despite our fathers' sins, this holiday is a good holiday. It should be celebrated proudly, regardless of marketing and political correctness.

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