Being a "Baby-Boomer," I have seen some unfortunate changes in how Thanksgiving has been received by some Americans. When I was a little girl, Thanksgiving was just a big a deal, relative to holidays, as any other holiday. It was talked about, and planned for months ahead of Thanksgiving Day. However, in my middle ages, Christmas trees are placed in most of the stores before Halloween is even over! I always (hate to) say that Thanksgiving today is the "Rodney Dangerfield of holidays." It gets no respect.
I think this is very unfortunate, especially because the reason for this decline in respect and planning for Thanksgiving Day is due to commercialism! Christmas Day brings in more money to businesses than Thanksgiving, such as in department stores in the mall, etc. Hence, much is being lost because of such a mindset relative to how Thanksgiving Day is received in many American homes. Personally, I refuse to get caught up in all the hoop-la commercialism of Christmas. Of course, Christmas is what we choose to make it, however, money seems to have taken over, which has tossed Thanksgiving Day aside. How sad.
Kathryn Irby
Gulfport
