Why so Many Jive Turkeys This Holiday?

Is it as simple as some people are just bah humbug? In many ways this time of year is my favorite. The spirit of giving, the wonder of the season it all makes me feel good inside. And then you hear it. Bah, Bah, Bah. Why this and why that. My question is: Why so many jive turkeys this holiday? I’m sure you’ve heard some of the why’s. Why is Christmas music on already? Why is Black Friday now Black Thursday? Why do stores have to open earlier? And the newest one courtesy of PETA is: Why eat Turkey this Thanksgiving? PETA's new ads say eating Turkey is like eating your dog. Oh, and those ads are targeted at kids. OooKay, somebody is definitely getting a lump of coal in their stocking for that one.

People who are put off by the holiday shopping expansion are usually those not accustomed to living with modest means. While it is true that some Americans live beyond their means it is also true that many Americans are trying to do just the opposite. Many Americans want to live within their means and the opportunity to get some necessities such as children’s clothes and yes even a Christmas gift at a fraction of the cost is an opportunity they literally cannot afford to miss. The post-Thanksgiving expanded hours among other things gives people working different schedules the opportunity to participate in the holiday shopping deep discount period.  

And for workers who are put off by the expansion of the holiday shopping hours, I do sympathize with needing some time off and do believe that retailers should make it optional and not mandatory for employees to work on Black Friday or Black Thursday. But with so many Americans in financial hardship and needing more work hours this comes as a welcome opportunity.

And PETA, PETA, PETA. I have a hard enough time trying to get my kid to eat and now you have to liken eating turkey to eating a dog? Turkey has many health benefits that growing kids need including being a great source of protein. It would be one thing if the ads were aimed at adults but they are aimed at kids making it difficult for parents.

And yes, the 24 hour Christmas music that you can now hear? Love it. And here’s the easy thing, even when I grow a little tired of it I can change the channel to something else. At least when I have the radio on the Christmas station I don’t have to worry about my child hearing offensive or suggestive music beyond “I saw Mommy kissing Santa Claus.”

So why not a little more joy and less jive talk this holiday? What do you think?