I know there are a gazillion sales on Black Friday…and that people like to get a jump start on their holiday shopping on the extra day off from work. And I don’t want to be judgey about the folks that run out to the mall after Thanksgiving dinner or stake their place in line at midnight for a store’s 6am opening Friday morning. But. Is buying the newest latest and greatest really worth that?

I like to save the day after Thanksgiving as a mental health day. It’s really a freebie. Friday’s not really a holiday, but so many people were calling in sick to work the day after Thanksgiving to make it a real 4-day weekend that employers eventually just threw up their hands and said oh alright. Well, a lot of employers, not all. SOMEBODY’S  got to work at the stores where the masses are shopping. And if people are out and about, then we need law enforcement and public safety and hospitals and…well, you see where I’m going. The shoppers are the pebble in the water that starts the ripple effect that goes on and on.

But maybe instead of causing ripples, we could just…lay low and let the water, and our minds, be still. Spend quality time with your guests, hosts, friends or family. Spend quality time with yourself. Read a book. Take a nap. Binge watch Netflix. Make a list of acts of service you’ll gift instead of presents you would buy. Bake cookies. Write holiday cards. Rake leaves in the fresh air. Volunteer. Go for a drive. Sit on the front porch or comfy sofa and watch the world go by through the window. Call a friend you’ve been neglecting. Draw. Pick up that guitar and learn a new song.

The last 6 0r 7 years Caleb and I had a new tradition for the day after Thanksgiving, which was to get up bright and early in the ayem and drive 2-3 hours upstate to a new and different preserve or parkland and walk in the wild woods. Just us. For hours. He was so joyful at being able to just gallop and gallop in a new place, that he gave me all the joy I could ask for. Afterwards, he’d fall sound asleep on his bed in the back of the car, I’d stop somewhere for a hot drink, and we’d be home by dinner, mentally refreshed and recharged. Last year he was not up to that, but we did get out to a deserted nearby beach for a little stroll.

This year…no Caleb…but I will be going to South Carolina to my sister’s house. Katie will be there…and my niece, nephew and great-niece Annabelle…and my brother-in-law and his sister. So, a full house…but I’m sure we will be visiting and enjoying each other’s company on Friday, not shopping. Maybe I’ll get Katie and Annabelle alone for a little while and we can go somewhere where I can watch them gallop around.

I hope a week from today you’re able to take a little time for you – to think, and reflect and consider what you’re thankful for.

Happy Almost Thanksgiving.