Have a Happy, Fun and Safe Holiday

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! I wanted to take a moment to send my best out to everyone this week, whether your visiting family and friends or just waiting on Friday to get here to take advantage of the sales. Have a fun and relaxing time but just as importantly be smart, safe (more on that below), and thoughtful of the people making it possible. Fair warning, this might get a little long, but I feel like there are a few people out there that could use some reminders.

Take some time for personal reflection and remember what the idea of Thanksgiving is supposed to be about. Look around at the people that mean the most to you and even the things you possess and just say thanks that you're fortunate to have them in your life. Remember and acknowledge that not everyone out there is as fortunate as you. There are those out there dealing with illness, hunger, and homelessness. It's hard to imagine and appreciate if you haven't experienced loss like that, but it is very real none the less. Take a moment if you can to give something back, even if it's as small as a canned food or monetary donation. If everyone always remembers to do a little something it can make a big difference in someones life.

If you're traveling, please be safe and take your time. There's a lot of snow falling across the country which can be the most dangerous condition to travel in, especially with more people on the road than usual.  Just remember that you'll get there when you get there. I can safely say that your family would rather you arrive late to a gathering than not at all.

If your family chooses to go out to eat for the holiday (though I don't necessarily agree with, but I'm sure people have their reasons) please PLEASE be kind and courteous to the people serving you and preparing your food. Never forget, because some people unfortunately do, that these are real life individuals with their own lives and family. Acknowledge that because they are there serving you there, they are not at home with their own families and friends. Now, some can argue that some of the servers are there of their own will because they can potentially make more money on a holiday like this, but remember that this is not always the case. If you must go out, the biggest favor you can do is to make things as easy as possible for anyone that has to deal with you. If there's something wrong with your order, well hey, remember again that there are people out there that would gladly accept it in your place. If you have to send something back, be kind and remember to thank them for their service anyway.

For the shoppers out there looking forward to Friday, be SMART and be SAFE. I'm absolutely disgusted each year hearing about people being trampled or engaging in violent outbursts just to save a buck. Nothing you can buy is worth a human life. If it looks like someone is trying to start something or the crowd is getting out of control, just get the hell out of there. Always remember, these are just possessions. I know some of the prices out there are too good to be true but I can't think of anything I need from a store that I'm willing to injure or be injured over. Be patient and be cool headed. If you miss that item you were looking for, just remember there are other stores out there and even online shopping. It's not the end of the world, I can promise you that. For those out there that do feel it's okay to behave aggressively or even violently, you need to step back and check yourself because you are COMPLETELY missing the point of what these holidays are supposed to be about.

Happy holidays everyone and thanks for reading!