Institutionalized ingratitude

*Personal pet peeve alert*

I notice most retail stores are already playing Christmas music. The local Wal-Mart's had several shipping containers in its parking lot for weeks with what has to be the local stash of holiday merchandise. Yup, it's Santa time.

Maybe it's because I used to work in a retail store, but I can't stand the rush to the "holiday season." Particularly since that habit overshadows what should be a significant day: Thanksgiving. We used to joke at my old job that the 'season' originally started the Friday after Thanksgiving, but was inching up to the day after Halloween. That was several years ago, and the joke seems prophetic now.

Don't get me wrong: I'm not a grinch (well, mostly...). In fact, my family's entire "Christmas shopping" for the year is already done. But that's because we think about our families throughout the year, and meaningful gift ideas often present themselves. We just manage to hold onto them in anticipation of the joy of gifts given and received. No mad dashing about on "Black Friday." No waiting in line for days for a "gotta have" item like a Playstation 3.

Like most American families, ours will gather Thursday to eat too much turkey and dressing, and watch a little football. But not before each of us offers an expression of gratitude for at least one of the many blessings we take for granted every day.

Allow me to get an early start. I'm grateful my family is able to enjoy our material blessings while keeping them in perspective. That even on our worst days, we have so much to be thankful for that many in this world would call us insane to complain. Most of all, I'm grateful that for us, Thanksgiving is a day where we set our hearts to gratitude...the proper orientation for the Christmas season that celebrates the greatest Gift ever given.

Let the retailers focus on their parades and positive balance sheets this week. A grateful heart may not contribute to the Gross National Product, but it's no less important.