Day After Thanksgiving

Today is Native American Heritage Day. I don’t know when this became a formal thing, but it is about time! Being a native southern Californian, I grew up with cowboy and Indian themed play, some of the history of the frontier, and much Indian lore. A lot of this history was bunk, but then honesty in history wasn’t a thing back then (1940’s, 50’s).

Over the years I’ve traveled often to the southwestern United States. Love the weather. Love the scenery, topography. Love the architecture, plant life and animal life, as well. More and more our visits delved into the Native American culture and history. As my awareness grew, I was appalled at the injustice apparent in that portion of our nation’s history. We owe native Americans much. Their land. Their spirituality. Their peace and tranquility. And yes, their stoicism.

A direct opposite cultural norm has become the benchmark. The day after Thanksgiving is Black Friday. It is a day set aside for massive shopping by consumers for Christmas. A hideous, romp into stores, through them, and back to the cars with armloads of stuff, needed or not, certain they can be easily returned if not satisfactory to the recipient. Unthinking. Crowded. No class. Certainly, no peace or tranquility.

At least the crowded rush will be less this year as online shopping is the rage in the time of COVID. Online shopping has been growing exponentially for several years now, but with COVID, even the faint of heart are willing to try it this year.

So, the rush is on. Those who are ignorant of COVID’s reality will still rush the stores. The rest will avoid the stores and sit at their computers. I will. But as I age household income is insufficient to participate in the holiday shopping madness. I used to enjoy it much, but then I had plentiful funds in the bank to spend. Today that is not the case. We enjoy a much simpler holiday season.

And that is what I am wishing you on this day. Simple, heartfelt seasonal greetings of the holiday season. May you enjoy the true meaning of whatever holiday you celebrate. And may others not rain on your heritage of celebration!

November 27, 2020