Ten minutes to write. Less time to read.

What hasn’t been said about this national holiday?

There’s the story of the first Thanksgiving, most likely much of it apocryphal. There’s the planning that goes into the special dinner, often centered around turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Pumpkin pie too.

There are best wishes from one person to a myriad of friends on Facebook and other social media. And free dinners for those who are alone or homeless. And turkey pardons from the White House. All in the name of giving thanks.

Personally, I’m thankful for all the usual things: family, health, being together, a comfortable life. But this year, I’m truly impressed by the twenty-two large retail merchants who are bucking a trend and will not start Black Friday early. Instead, their employees will be at home for Thanksgiving.

If you wonder who these merchants are, according to Mental Floss, visit https://www.mentalfloss.com/article/514358/stores-closed-thanksgiving. Even with their shuttered stores, I’m sure they’ll do well financially and we shall all purchase what we need.