When our son was a fifth grader, he had asked to go see Black Friday like it were a movie or a ceremony. He explained that he had heard so much about it. He didn't know exactly what it was. And he wasn’t sure whether he had seen one. His innocence certainly was the best medicine for our adult perspectives.

Maybe shopping isn't so bad.

We are so terribly blessed as a nation. It is often hard to decide what we should be more thankful for.

Should shop ‘til we drop the day after the turkey binge?

Or,

Should we shop like gangbusters from the start of turkey month?

It makes me happy to see how assertively most stores even gas stations try to collect our money for donation. Especially at this time of year. Speaks volumes about the importance of giving as part of American culture.

That's the opportunity in getting all those great bargains. Being able to give easily as you cash out. If our collective shopping is helping folks to be "employed" or "cared for" then by all means, let’s get the jump on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and no sense in waiting for Giving Tuesday. ‘‘Tis the season to scan those $1, $5, $10 donation barcodes and #StartEarlyGiveOften. Our collective giving makes a difference.

revised from Nov 2015.