Thanksgiving and Thankful Giving

There’s been much in the press lately about the economy and the impact on consumer retailers this holiday season. There will be no argument from me that the Friday after Thanksgiving 2008 may will likely more resemble Red Friday than Black Friday.

The impact of the economic slowdown is beginning to hit other parts of the economy as well. Today the Wall Street Journal has a cover story on the slowdown in charitable donations. So while I would never be so glib as to suggest that shopping is a core aspect of patriotism, ask yourself if there is anyone you can make a charitable gift. As horrifically craptastic as the financial markets and economy have been (and will be), I promise you there is someone who truly needs more than you.

If you have plans to travel somewhere exotic over the holidays, find a way to spend a few days helping the local community. I have a friend who has done this on a few continents and she now understands the places she has visited better than any tourist. If you have kids, think about giving them $25 to donate to the charity of their choice. It’s a gift which will last for their entire lifetime.

The economy sucks but that’s no excuse. We all have much for which we should be grateful. Time to give it away.

I’ll be sending a little bit extra here.

Happy Thanksgiving.