Thursday is Thanksgiving Day in the United States, one of America's biggest holidays. In a tradition dating back to the pilgrims, it is when we give thanks for the blessings in our lives. 

Over the years Thanksgiving has morphed into a four-day holiday weekend for many, which is nice, but unfortunately a lot of the holiday's emphasis has shifted form giving thanks to visiting shopping malls. 

Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) has become famous as the official start of the Christmas shopping season. Personally, I'd rather be drug over hot coals than go anywhere near a retail store on Black Friday! Been there, done that and it was a very unpleasant experience that I hope to never repeat.

Cyber Monday is more my speed. That is the Monday after Thanksgiving that some say is the biggest Interrnet shopping day

of the year. Actually, thanks to broad inventories and speedy shipping from the major online merchants, I can completely avoid the brick and mortar crowd and do my Christmas shopping well into December. That also allows me to keep my Thanksgiving focus on what the holiday was originally meant to be and what is meaningful to me - family and friends (OK, the food is pretty good too)!

However you spend your day, I hope Thursday will be a great day for you, that you will have much to be thankful for and that you all have a joyous holiday season in the weeks ahead. I'll see you back here on Friday.

(Posted Nov. 24, 2010)