The first Thanksgiving was a day on which the Pilgrims celebrated with the Native Americans to give thanks for the crops and survival through the hardships they had faced. Thanksgiving Day is a day in which we should give thanks for what we already have, just as they did. Whether we reflect on the gratitude we feel for our family, our friends, our health, anything that we are thankful for, Thanksgiving should not be overridden by starting your Christmas and Black Friday shopping on Thursday rather than Friday—a habit that many people are beginning to acquire.

In the year 2014, among major retail chains, all but 25 retailers were open on Thanksgiving Day, with some opening as early as 6 a.m. Along with the stores opening earlier, they also began advertising as early as this fall season. With all of these stores advertising and opening early this year, many people are influenced to try and save money by shopping on Thanksgiving Day. I believe that the stores should be closed on Thanksgiving Day and reopened Friday night at `12 midnight. Personally, I like to reflect on the gratitude I feel for all things I am thankful for in life, as I believe everyone should. We need to stop allowing Black Friday to overrun the one day that is supposed to be filled with relaxation and gratitude. Rather, we should enjoy and be thankful for the day and every day we have in life.

Heather Hallock

Highland Lake, NY