Happy Thanksgiving!!

I know Vietnam doesn't celebrate Thanksgiving but in the U.S. it's a big holiday, especially for the retail industry.

The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday to retailers, is the biggest shopping day in the United States. Sales registered on this day are considered an important economic indicator. With the housing woes, higher energy costs, and the subprime mortgage fiasco, Wallstreet is nervously wishing for a prosperous holiday season. If the numbers turned out to be weak, the U.S. economy may take a nosedive.

This Friday, some retailers will open their doors at 12:01 a.m. while others lure consumers in between 4am-6am. All aim to catch the early bird shoppers. Every year, I love watching news footage of people pushing and shoving to grab the few "doorbuster" items. I must admit I never quite get the madness.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays but it's definitely not about the shopping or the food. Simply put, it's my annual reminder of how truely truely blessed I am.

To all American expats living in Vietnam, I wish you a happy turkey day!!