THANKSGIVING GREETINGS!

So much that we are Thankful for

has to do with Prosperity,

the Opportunities that Come

with being able to afford our lives.

HERE'S SOME IDEAS FOR YOU - ECONOMICS OF A HOLIDAY SEASON - KEEPING THE SPIRIT WITHOUT SPENDING

We had a small traditional Thanksgiving feast, laid back, and let "Black Friday" and other sales events go by without a purchase.  That's because we're on a budget and committed to keeping the spirit of the Holidays alive while staying on that budget.  We're committed to spending our money wisely, recycling, giving away things we don't need (without a tax deduction), being innovative and creative. 

We don't think that a Christmas Tree piled high with gifts is important.  In fact, this year we will decorate without a Christmas Tree.  The drought has raised prices on real ones and we will not buy a fake one; they're bad for our economy and not biodegradeable.

Here are some ideas for you:

Instead of buying Christmas stockings (they get bigger every year) go traditional and put out one knee sock or one shoe.

Use old Christmas cards again by using them hung on string in windows, cut them to make your own present-tags, or use them to make tree ornaments.

Use old Christmas wrap again.  Cut out the ripped, taped, or worn out parts and wrap smaller gifts with it.

Use fabric scraps or scarves for gift wrap.

Don't buy a tree.  There is no reason that gifts must be under a tree.

Ornaments can be shown off and appreciated by placing them in bowls for the table.

Pull out old, ethnic recipes, and give things like casseroles that can be frozen and thawed out for meals, as gifts.  (Call ahead and tell the person that's what you're giving them to be sure they will appreciate it and have room in their freezer.  Reuse the small #5 Plastic containers from store bought frozen meals for smaller portions.)

Have a "misfit" toy party.  You and your children's friends wrap a toy they used but which is in good condition that they are through with, bake a cake, and have the kids grab bag the toys.

Don't forget about caroling; cheering up others by appearing at their door with song is still a great gift... go by the nearest Assisted Living place in your neighborhood.  Last time we did this people cried "You remembered us!"

LADY LIBERTY AND TWO TURKEYS

WISHING YOU PROSPERITY

"BLACK FRIDAY" SHOPPING : CAN YOU RESIST?

WILL YOU BE ABLE TO RESIST SHOPPING ON "BLACK FRIDAY," the day after Thanksgiving when many people are off work and can actually deal with the competition for parking spaces and the lines and crowds? 

We're already hearing consumer reports and advisories on WHAT DEALS CAN BE HAD, in particular on CELL PHONES.  (ARE THERE ANY CELL PHONES MADE IN THE USA?)

Basically, we Americans try to get our Christmas Shopping done on this day of all days, and the retailers are ready for us.  BUT ALREADY WE ARE HEARING STORIES OF ADDED SECURITY AT MALLS IN CASE VIOLENCE BREAKS OUT!

Is it worth it?

Well, sometimes you're in the mood for a little hustle bustle, and it does feel good to see all those people spending money, stimulating the economy, and all those seasonal retail workers will have work...?

WE ARE ASKING YOU TO CHECK LABELS AND TO BUY AMERICAN!

You can walk into a store and ask a clerk "WHAT DO YOU HAVE THAT IS MADE IN THE UNITED STATES!"  We think most of them will not know.

ELECTRONICS... SHOES... so many things seem not to be MADE IN THE USA anymore!  PLEASE TRY!

REMEMBER THOSE WHO HAVE NOT

Eat those leftovers! Don't throw them away! Share with your neighbors!

THANKSGIVING IS NEXT WEEK!

It started out as a holiday that was celebrated eating a duck or goose, and then the turkey - native to the Americas was introduced to the meal of plenty.
Be sure to invite someone who has no family to go to this year.
THINK OF THE HOMELESS, the people you know who have lost their homes, and invite them into yours...