hello and happy THANKS & GIVING

Working the holidays - well - it - just - stinks!

There is way too much corporation greed in this country, fueled by Americans that just spend too much money, on things that ARE mostly NOT - needed. That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

Retail has historically - paid way too little, in benefits and wages - but they always want the most profits possible - so they work people on black Friday etc.

Vary few people appreciate the employees that work on these days, and the corporations force you to work Black Friday or they will fire you, lets be blunt about it!

There a few home based businesses, that are different, they have set up businesses - so they can enjoy the benefits of the business - but even these people will put others to work around the holidays. Even though they are not working - if they choose to do so - this is a step in the better direction. (Maybe)

Every year the "THANKS" becomes less Including - saying have a great thanks giving or even Merry Christmas - soon thanks giving as a holiday will be gone, if it - isn't already.

Halloween - starts the fall season off - if not before, it on labor day -

But at many stores - you have three holidays overlapping - Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas - buy for one or all three at the same time.

Is there any hope for us? - maybe a little.

Many still gather around the dinner table - have a great feast - watch a football game and over eat.

A few may give special thanks or have a special Sunday worship - but many travel, and visit other places, putting many others to work also -

There are some - that do service - help others and make it a day of giving - but they are much fewer in numbers, none the less - these things are being done - its not all bad - greedy and selfishness - but in the most part it is -

The gals are over worked, in cooking a meals, shopping and doing other things - in the most part.

A few gals are smarter - they've done things in advance - made the meals smaller - enjoyed more social gatherings and are visiting more - requested more help from family and friends - even hubby maybe asked to help - which is more than right!

Still, I think that's an exception to the what generally happens - some even eat out - instead - which keeps others working -

Ideally - if we would stay home have a smaller meals - visit with friends or family - give thanks and worship at homes - it would be better - but there are always better ways to show our thanks -

You might keep the meals smaller, help with clean up and dishes - actually turn off the tv and computer - give a prayer of thanks - talk about what you are thankful for - this year etc.

Share memories of things that have made a difference in your lives - go ahead and just try it!

Help out a little, with the needy - visit them or plan some time with them - bring a prepared meal - there are lots of things that are possible - a giving basket - a note and a gift card - you decided and work on a plan for next year if you didn't do it this year.

Again don't let any of my Mr Scrooge ideas or attitudes get you down - or steal your holiday cheer - or worship - have a great thanksgiving and happy Holiday season - including Merry Christmas and a New Year!

Roger L Martin from Billings MT - 406-252-4964 MDT