I’m going to venture a guess that for a many families all across the United States, this could well be one of the first times when just getting a bird on the table might prove a challenge; never mind the trimmings and fixings. Widespread lack of employment, an uncertain future for the country and rising food costs have all combined to put a damper on Thanksgiving 2011.

I live alone, so I can only guess that a family of three or more may be hard pressed to do all the things that they have been used to doing. And, with Christmas coming in just a month, I’m certain that some breadwinners are wondering how they are going to get through the Holidays without going broke!

Even in ‘good’ times, the holidays can be a hard time to get through, and even more so for those who are alone or who have lost loved ones. We all have to remember, however, to still be thankful for all that we have and enjoy. Living in America still beats living anywhere else and I am very thankful for all it has provided. So, if the table this year is a little more bare than last year, then that’s OK with me. A few less items to eat and share are better than no items at all.

Instead of feeling bad, I’ll try and be creative and work with what I have. If I had kids, I would tell them that this Thanksgiving will be one of remembrance where we all must think back to how little our forefathers had in days long past. And I would tell them that this Christmas will also be a time where the term frugality will be reborn with new a new and stronger meaning and purpose. I’d then promise to greet the New Year with a firm resolve to be a better person and to stand up for the rights of those less fortunate than me. I’d promise that 2012 be the year when I will do all I can to take back control of our nation and help set it on a course of solvency and fiscal responsibility. I will not fear my government, but rather, will direct it.

I will look for a leader who shall come forth and who has the desire, ability and blessings of the Lord, to see us through the hard times ahead; so that one day we might rise again, a leaner, stronger and much more intelligent Republic. I would like to see us set an example for the world to follow; that we will not go quietly into the night, but that rather we will be the light for all who look to follow! A great and lasting nation, that under God’s care, will not perish from this earth!