I saw a meme on Facebook today titled “The Dirty Dozen” and it listed twelve retail stores that will be open for shopping on Thanksgiving Day.

It stated: “These twelve stores will start Black Friday on Thursday, rather than give their employees a day off to spend with family and friends.”

What are your feelings about this trend? Will you shop on Thanksgiving Day or not?  I don’t think I will.  I want the day to be about the four ‘F’s’.  Family. Friends. Food. Football.

And therein lies the double standard.

I love football on Thanksgiving.  Without fail I will watch my Cowboys play on Thanksgiving Day.  I’ve even had the pleasure of seeing a game in person on this holiday.

But, if the reason we are against shopping on Thanksgiving is because it forces employees to work, rather than be with their loved ones, then why doesn’t the same standard hold true for the entertainment/service industry? (And, to be clear – I’m not talking about medical professionals or those in law enforcement or emergency services. There are many jobs that must continue 24/7 and don’t have the luxury of shutting down for a day.)

Anyway, what about the families of those who will work the countless jobs associated with a professional football game?  How about the movies?  Or restaurant workers?  Shouldn’t we be all riled up over them having to work, too?

It’s a holiday double standard if we see no issue with eating out, going to the movies or a professional sporting event but feel indignant over stores being open.

It’s something to think about.

However you spend Thanksgiving Day I pray that it is a happy and blessed one for you.

Gobble Gobble.